Leeds United lost out in the promotion race this weekend as Wigan took a 2-1 victory at Elland Road in dramatic fashion.

The Whites now sit behind Sheffield United once again in the race for the top two, and must go to Brentford on Monday knowing anything less than a win could have massive implications on their hopes of getting out of the division.

And the club have been dealt a massive early blow too as they prepare for the game at Griffin Park, with Phil Hay of the Yorkshire Post revealing that captain Liam Cooper is set to miss out once more for the Whites.

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Cooper has missed the last two games for Leeds with a muscle injury and his loss was felt at Elland Road yesterday as Wigan bullied their way to three points with some good and robust forward play from the likes of Leon Clarke.

The captain would have been hoping to get himself fit for the clash with the Bees, but now looks likely to miss out once again, meaning another start for Swiss defender Gaetano Berardi would appear to be on the cards.

Cooper has been a mainstay of the Leeds XI this season with some all action displays, and his loss at the back could be a significant one for the club in their final three games of what has been a sensational season.

The Verdict

What a massive blow this could be for Leeds, who really do need all their leaders at this stage of the campaign.

Cooper, while not the most talented, sets the tone for a lot of what Leeds do, and he will be a big loss down at Griffin Park.

Leeds need a win, and Cooper's lack of availability certainly doesn't aid their cause.