This article is part of Football League World's 'The Verdict' series, which provides personal opinions from the FLW writers regarding the latest breaking news, teams, players, managers, potential signings and more...
Leeds United manager Marcelo Bielsa has received a boost ahead of the weekend visit of Birmingham City, with the news that skipper Liam Cooper could return ahead of schedule from the groin injury that was expected to keep him sidelined for up to six weeks.
Speaking to LUTV, the Scottish international suggested: “It’s settling down a little bit quicker than I thought it would, there’s a bit of damage in the tendon which usually takes a bit longer, but I’m progressing well in the gym,
“Really looking forward to getting back outside, it’ll maybe be a couple of weeks yet but hopefully I can keep cracking on in the gym, strengthening around the muscle. Who knows, I could get back a bit earlier but it all depends on the healing process.”
So how big a boost would it be for Leeds if Cooper returns early from injury?
We discuss........
Chris Thorpe
"This will be a massive boost for Leeds, particularly as we are coming towards the stage of the season where the league table starts to take shape.
"Cooper has been in superb form this season, and it's fair to say that he has been a big miss for them in recent matches against the likes of Millwall, who they of course lost too."
"He not only brings leadership qualities to the fold, but also provides an assurance at the back when in possession of the ball, that perhaps Berardi lacks.
"Bielsa will be keen to not only bring Cooper back into the fold quickly but also look to manage his return properly so that he does not suffer a recurrence of the injury."
Kris Smith
“A massive boost. The fewer games Leeds can play without their club captain the better, and with a tough few months ahead for Leeds, they will need to be at full strength to ensure they can build a promotion charge.
“Cooper has been a rock at the back for Leeds so far this season alongside Brighton-loanee Ben White, as Leeds boast the meanest defence in the Championship, only conceding seven.
“Cooper’s strong start to the campaign also got a call-up to the Scotland squad in September where he earned his first two caps for the Tartan Army, proving his impact at Leeds is being recognised.
“If Leeds are to get their promotion hunt back on track, they will need every player fit, no more so than the current longest-serving player and the key talisman in the dressing room”
Luke Phelps
"It’ll be a huge boost for Leeds’ fans and Marcelo Bielsa. Of the three Leeds games that Liam Cooper’s missed this season, they’ve lost two of them - against Stoke City in the EFL Cup and at Millwall last time out.
"Coopers organisation skills are second-to-none in the Championship, and he’s built up good experience of the second-tier over the past few seasons with Leeds’ inability to maintain an automatic promotion spot.
"Leeds again though look like strong contenders for a top-two spot come May, and Cooper is the club’s best chance of keeping a level head up until then.
"Not only his organisation skills, but his calming manner at the back will reverberate around Elland Road, and give the whole club a boost upon his arrival - he will be crucial to any success Leeds have this season."
[freshpress-poll ]