OPINION
Leeds fans have got used to receiving bad injury updates this season, but there was more welcome news coming out of the Leeds training ground today.
After the return, ahead of schedule, by striker Patrick Bamford – who scored the winning goal in the 1-0 win against Bolton at the weekend – Liam Cooper is the latest to return to training.
Back in training ? @LiamCooper__ pic.twitter.com/v6QGlu13c9
— Leeds United (@LUFC) December 19, 2018
Cooper was ruled out for six weeks after picking up a knee injury in the 1-0 win over Sheffield United earlier in the month, but has stepped up his return, and some fans are flabbergasted at his appearance on the training ground so soon.
However, there’s no indication that he will return to the first-team quicker than expected and he is still likely to miss the busy Christmas period.
Marcelo Bielsa was proved right after not rushing Chelsea loanee Izzy Brown back despite the player declaring himself available.
He suffered a setback in the Under-23s game this week after not playing for a whole year since his injury.
Leeds fans are delighted to see Cooper back in trining though. The 27-year-old centre-back has been in great form this season and will be looking forward to getting back into the heart of the Leeds defence, alongside Pontus Jansson.
Here are the best reactions to the image of his training today:
F**k me, our medical staff are magic. ?
— Christopher (@B1o_arm) December 19, 2018
https://twitter.com/bobly44/status/1075369256441794560
Thank God for that ?
— Jo ? (@El_Loco_Jo) December 19, 2018
Be brilliant to have the skipper back ??
— Chris (@Rio17gfc) December 19, 2018
Christ it’s a Christmas miracle
— Kershaw ?? (@Kershaw444) December 19, 2018
https://twitter.com/LeedsunitedLee/status/1075377781075251200
What a medical staff we have at the club these days.Brilliant news.
— Barrie Worsnop (@gillroydmor) December 19, 2018
That's amazing – 2 weeks after surgery.
Only rivalled by Rudi Austin's recovery from a broken leg in …. 2 hours was it?— Colin Gregg (@colingregg) December 19, 2018
https://twitter.com/BarneyStuart21/status/1075369231858962432
Every player that comes back from injury can only be good news!!! Welcome back @LiamCooper__ just in time to lead us to the prem … all we need now for Christmas is @lukeayling_8 ?????
— Boycie ?? (@ivanLUFC) December 19, 2018
https://twitter.com/Bollakzoid/status/1075388452722618369
https://twitter.com/svoronos79/status/1075384692306821120
Unbelievable.
— Jamie O'Neill (@JamieONeill88) December 19, 2018
https://twitter.com/Melissaanncapes/status/1075376265891328000
https://twitter.com/herbie1178/status/1075376127399600128
Oh. Wow. This had cheered me up. Go on Coops. Desperately need you back in soon
— Robert Hardy (@mightywrites) December 19, 2018