Leeds United

Leeds United: Injury expert Ben Dinnery believes Liam Cooper needs more time before return

|
Image for Leeds United: Injury expert Ben Dinnery believes Liam Cooper needs more time before return

According to injury expert Ben Dinnery, Leeds United defender Liam Cooper could still some time away from a first-team comeback after suffering a minor setback during his rehabilitation from an Achilles injury. 

The Yorkshire outfit suffered numerous injuries to key players last season, and it looks like they are continuing on this path as they currently find themselves without Stuart Dallas, Luke Ayling and Cooper to name a few.

The latter was due to start the season with the side but suffered an Achilles injury during the off-season and has missed both games so far. Dinnery believes this time away will only be prolonged after he suffered a setback in his recovery and there is no timeline for his return.

Dinnery told the Premier FPL Injuries channel: “He injured himself in the off-season getting ready to come back. That was a treadmill injury related to his Achilles. He was on the cusp of a first-team return but suffered a minor setback on Friday. No definitive timeline on when he would be included in the squad, but suffice to say he’s going to spend a little bit more time out.”

TIF Thoughts on Cooper’s injury…

The Whites embarrassingly boasted the second-worst defence in the Premier League last season as they sat 19th for goals conceded with an incredible 79 goals, which averaged out as 2.1 goals per game.

A big reason for this was their laundry list of injuries, and if they are to avoid this again, they will need their key players like Cooper back in the team and playing consistently. Cooper is a key man for Leeds, as in the last year, he has ranked in the 99th percentile for aerial duels won and the 93rd for clearances, compared to other centre-backs in Europe’s top five leagues (as per FBref).

Recent reports have suggested that the Leeds captain has been in training this week and could return in time to feature in the side’s next game at home to Chelsea.

But with Dinnery’s comments in mind, we would not be surprised to see Cooper miss out on the matchday squad once more.

Will Cooper return this season?

Yes

Yes

No

No

Share this article