Leeds United have announced that Liam Cooper will miss Scotland's upcoming international fixtures this week through injury. 

The Whites skipper was forced off after 72 minutes in their recent win against Blackburn Rovers, and the club have revealed that scans have shown a small tear in the defender's groin.

This isn't the first time that Cooper has been sidelined through injury, with the Scotsman previously having a groin problem that limited his game time.

Gaetano Berardi replaced the 28-year-old against Rovers, and it seems likely that he could be in line to start in Leeds' next game after the international break.

But Leeds have been quick to state that they're hoping to have Cooper back in action in the near future, but it'll be dependent on how quickly he responds to treatment on the injury.

Cooper has made 11 appearances in total for Leeds this season, and has been impressive when featuring alongside Brighton loanee Ben White, so he'll be keen to return to action at the earliest of opportunities.

Leeds are next in action after the international break when they take on Luton Town at Kenilworth Road, in what could potentially be a tricky test for Marcelo Bielsa's side.

The Verdict: 

They'll be hoping he can return to action as soon as possible.

Cooper has had his fair share of injuries already this season, and when he's not in the side I think Leeds are a completely different team for all the wrong reasons.

Gaetano Berardi can do a steady job in the heart of defence, but he doesn't offer the leadership qualities that Cooper has in his attributes.

With a potentially season-defining festive period edging closer, it's important that Bielsa has his key players available for selection, and Cooper is certainly one of them.