Phil Hay, speaking on the latest episode of The Phil Hay Show, has revealed that he expects Liam Cooper to feature against Blackburn Rovers despite only lasting 12 minutes against Luton Town.
Hay discussed various Leeds United topics, spent a little bit of time on injuries, and provided an update on Leeds’ captain.
Here is what he had to say about Cooper:
“They [Leeds] could do without Liam Cooper having to go off on Tuesday night, and I think he will play at Blackburn – that was certainly the indication [Marcelo] Bielsa gave after the game, although Bielsa hasn’t done a pre-match press conference this week, so we haven’t had any further update on that.
“But he did seem to think that Cooper would be fine, but clearly you have a slight concern, there.”
According to Hay, Cooper should be fine to play against Blackburn as the Whites look to put Tuesday’s draw with Luton Town out of their minds and prepare to face a Blackburn side who have just lost to Barnsley.
Is it important to have Cooper in the side?
Yes
No
TIF Thoughts…
Cooper lasted just 12 minutes before he was withdrawn with an injury, but it is good to hear that he should be available to return for the Whites.
The 28-year-old is one of the players who Bielsa has transformed, and this season he has been relatively solid, earning an average rating of 7.04 putting him in fifth place in Leeds’ squad.
He also averages 1.3 tackles per game and 4.5 aerial duels won per game as he has played an important part in the joint-best defence in the Championship.
Therefore, we hope for Leeds’ sake; he is back and ready to take part in the match on Saturday.