Leeds United were hit with an irritating injury blow during their win over West Brom, with Liam Cooper being substituted midway through the first half.Â
Leeds then went on to state that their club captain is set to be ruled out for up to six weeks with a groin injury that forced him off early against the Baggies on Tuesday evening.
Marcelo Bielsa has revealed in a pre-match press conference ahead of Leeds' game against Millwall that Cooper isn't expected to be out for as long as originally stated by the club.
Cooper has made nine league appearances for the Whites so far this season, and will leave a sizeable void in the Leeds defence, which Bielsa has revealed is set to be filled by Gaetano Berardi for their game against Millwall this weekend.
It's set to be a tough test for Bielsa's men against a Millwall side that will be keen to turnaround their poor start to the season under Neil Harris' guidance.
Leeds will be targeting promotion to the Premier League once again this season, after they were beaten by Derby County in their play-off semi-final in last year's campaign.
Cooper will be eager to return to the first-team fold at the earliest of opportunities, so that he can play his part in their promotion push this term.
The Verdict:Â
This will be pleasing to hear for everyone associated with the club.
Cooper has struggled to get going this season due to injuries, and he'll be keen to see the back of his latest one picked up in the win over West Brom.
Leeds need his experience and leadership in the squad, and he'll leave a sizeable void in the heart of the defence whilst he remains in the treatment room.