Leeds United defender Liam Cooper has recently suffered another injury setback following the weekend’s 2-1 victory over Blackburn Rovers.

The Scottish international was forced off in the second half of the game after going down off the ball, to be replaced by Gaetano Berardi.

Cooper’s replacement did very well in the closing stages of the game but it’s yet another unwanted setback for the Whites as they come into a hectic winter schedule.

With the defender set to be a doubt for the coming weeks, we take a look at the situation in a six-point opinion…

First of all, what injury has Cooper picked up?

“The skipper pulled up on the 72nd minute of the game and had to immediately be subbed off, it appears to be similar groin injury to the one that saw him miss three games in October.

“The defender didn’t appear to make any significant challenges in the game that would have immediately caused him to pull up but Berardi was stripped and ready almost instantly, indicating the Leeds staff knew this was coming.”

How long is he expected to be out? 

“Despite the fact that this injury is similar to his previous one, Marcelo Bielsa has reiterated that this one is not as severe as last time, where he told LeedsLive: ‘I think that it could be the same as the other time, but not so heavy injury.’

“Leeds have a two-week break following the Blackburn game, as the international break separates that and the next game against Luton Town.

“The Argentine’s comments, along with an official club statement, seem to indicate that Cooper’s absence won’t be as long as last time so this break could see him recover for the next league game.”

How important is he to the side?

“Cooper is a vital player to the Leeds system and is the club’s captain. It would be a huge miss to see him unavailable for the coming games if the worst should happen.

“In the captain’s last spell on the sidelines, Leeds played three games, winning one, drawing one and losing one, with a very mixed set of performances without their leader on the field.

“Leeds’ current side is somewhat inexperienced in terms of leadership and without Cooper is is obvious to see the loss of rigid organisation when defending. While the ability is still there from the replacements, there is a lack of players who will give orders and ensure the team remain focused.”

Who comes in to replace him?

“In the past, versatile defender Gaetano Berardi has stepped in to replace Cooper in the wake of injuries or suspensions, along with other defensive unavailabilities.

“Berardi is more naturally suited to full-back but when he came off the bench for Cooper against Blackburn, he did nothing wrong to warrant consideration of an alternative from Bielsa, so he is expected to remain the deputy centre-back.”

Could there be a formation re-work?

“In October, Bielsa re-moulded the formation that Leeds set up with without Cooper, to provide more cover for a defence missing its key leader.

“The Whites shifted from a 4-1-4-1 formation to a 3-3-1-3 setup, giving extra support to the sometimes maverick replacement defender, Berardi.

“Leeds seemed a bit less fluid in attack when playing with three at the back but did look a lot more resolute when defending with energetic full-backs and being able to crowd out wingers and isolate attackers.”

Finally, can Leeds cope without Cooper?

“There’s no doubting the qualities that he adds to this Leeds side regardless of defensive ability, with how well he leads the side and organises those around him, so it’s certainly a weaker side without Cooper.

“That being said, Berardi has the quality to step in and cover the defensive gaps that Cooper’s absence presents as he has done regularly over his Leeds career. 

“The hope for Leeds is that in the games that Berardi covers someone, he doesn’t have one of his typical reckless moments leading to further problems down the line, which he’s been known for.”