Noel Whelan has admitted that it is a major blow for Leeds United to be without captain Liam Cooper, after the defender was ruled out for up to six weeks with an injury.

The 28-year-old has been an important player for Leeds so far this season, but he suffered a groin injury in the win over West Bromwich Albion at Elland Road last week and the club have confirmed that he has been ruled out for up to six weeks.

The centre-back missed the 2-1 defeat at Millwall in the Championship on Saturday and his replacement Gaetano Berardi was sent off after just 14 minutes for giving away a penalty.

Former Leeds striker Whelan says that losing Cooper is a major blow for Leeds and has described the defender as irreplaceable.

“Cooper is a massive loss, losing him is a huge blow to Leeds. He is not only the club captain and outstanding defender but he gives Leeds balance because he is the only left footed centre-back at the club,”  Whelan told Football Insider.

“He is irreplaceable. You are losing his height, aerial prowess and leadership, as well as the continuity of his partnership with Ben White.

“He can also turn defence into attack with one cross-field pass. We have seen time and again the quality of his long-range passing, and that’s a major asset to lose.”

Cooper has been an extremely important player for Leeds over the past few seasons and the defender signed a new five-year contract at Elland Road last month, committing his future to the club until 2024.

After a strong start to the season, Leeds have now failed to win three of their last four matches and will be hoping to get back to winning ways after the international break.

The Verdict

I couldn't agree more with Whelan here. Cooper is an excellent defender, one of the best in the Championship, so it's a major blow that Leeds are going to be forced to cope without him for the next few weeks.

Not only is he a great defender, but he's also a real leader on the pitch and not having his presence at the back will be a huge miss for Leeds in their new few games.

Cooper will be determined to make an impact when he does return from his setback, but Leeds have got some tough games coming up after the international break, so the players will need to step up in his absence.

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