Liam Cooper and Stuart Dallas are doubts for Leeds United this weekend, as the Whites prepare for a trip to Stoke City in the Sky Bet Championship.  

Leeds are looking to extend their unbeaten start to the 2019/20 season against the Potters, but might have to do so without two members of the side that beat Brentford on Wednesday evening.

Marcelo Bielsa has confirmed in his pre-match press conference that both Cooper and Dallas will be missing – as reported by Phil Hay from The Athletic, although further into his brief, the Argentine hinted they might be involved.

Dallas was forced from the field in the latter stage of Wednesday’s win, whilst Cooper, who was a doubt pre-match, completed the 90 minutes.

Gaetano Berardi is going to step into Cooper’s shoes in central defence, whilst Jamie Shackleton is expected to come into the side at right-back in place of the impressive Dallas.

They will be the only two changes for Leeds, however, with Bielsa opting not to bring Helder Costa or Eddie Nketiah into the starting line-up, despite their impressive impact against the Bees.

Costa’s burst down the right led to Nketiah’s 81st minute winner, with the latter now pushing Patrick Bamford to lead the line for Bielsa.

The Verdict

Losing Cooper and Dallas is such a blow, with the pair starting the season so, so well for Marcelo Bielsa.

Cooper’s leadership in the defence is underrated, whilst Dallas has started in fine form on the right.

In Berardi and Shackleton, Leeds have good options, but will lose some height in the side, which is a concern against Stoke.

However, with options like Costa and Nketiah on the bench, Leeds are still in good shape.

Thoughts? Let us know!