Liam Cooper is close to a Leeds United comeback but fellow long-time absentee Gaetano Berardi is still “some way off”, according to Adam Pope.
The BBC Radio Leeds correspondent shared a triple United injury update in an exchange with a supporter in the wake of the club’s intense festive programme.
Pope explained that he is unsure how long Patrick Bamford, the third knee injury victim, will be sidelined but pointed out the problem is “not as bad” as the one that kept him out for three months.
Berardi I think was some way off and Cooper appears near. Bamford not as bad as last time but how long I don’t know.
— Adam Pope (@apopey) January 3, 2019
OPINION
The good news for Leeds fans is that Cooper is on the comeback trail and this weekend’s third-round FA Cup tie against QPR provides the ideal opportunity for him to make a return as the teams take a break from the brutal Championship programme. Leeds are certainly eager for the skipper to return, which would pave the way for Kalvin Phillips to be restored to a midfield that has missed his ball-winning and shrewd distribution in recent weeks. As for Berardi and Bamford, the update from Pope is not especially promising. The Switzerland international was playing the best football of his United career before breaking down and has been missed, but it is striker Bamford who will be the real concern. The £7million summer signing from Middlesbrough had appeared restored to full health following his matchwinning display against Bolton Wanderers, but his absence for the subsequent four matches has set the alarm bells ringing.