Leeds United captain Liam Cooper is back in contention for the Whites as Marcelo Bielsa's side head to Craven Cottage to face Fulham this weekend. 

The 28-year-old defender has missed United's last three games after picking up a calf strain which ruled him out of the Whites' clashes with Huddersfield Town, Hull City and Cardiff City.

Marcelo Bielsa's men had gone four games without conceding a goal before they threw away a three goal lead against Cardiff City last time out, and Cooper's potential return for the Fulham clash will be welcomed news.

Speaking on Wednesday, Cooper told the Yorkshire Evening Post that: "I am fit for selection as we speak, there’s still three days to go so we never know but I am chomping at the bit to be fit and looking forward to the weekend."

Cooper's return would provide a boost to Bielsa's side following the disappointment of the Cardiff game last time out. Here we take a look at one winner and one loser in the wake of Coopers admission.

Winner - Ben White

Cooper and White have played together in eight of Leeds' 12 matches where they have kept a clean-sheet and although without Cooper, White has done an admirable job, he will surely be reassured to see his regular partner back in the side.

The Brighton & Hove Albion loanee put in a strong display against Cardiff City but was arguably let down by both Gaetano Berardi and Pascal Struijk as the Whites surrendered their three goal lead.

Berardi lost Sean Morrison as he headed home City's second goal and youngster Struijk failed to keep up with Robert Glatzel for the Bluebirds' equaliser.

White will certainly welcome the return of the more experienced Cooper as United look to bounce back from their self-destruction last time out.

Loser - Gaetano Berardi

Should Cooper return, then it will be highly likely that Gaetano Berardi is demoted back to the bench for the trip to Craven Cottage.

The Swiss has been Cooper's natural replacement whenever the Scot has missed a game this campaign, and it could serve as a source of frustration that he could be left out of the line-up on Saturday after some impressive performances.

Before Saturday's capitulation, Berardi had helped Leeds to three clean sheets in their previous three games, proving he can be a respectable replacement for Cooper.

With not doing too much wrong, the 31-year-old may feel a little aggrieved should he miss out on a starting place at Fulham and with his contract up in the summer, he may asses his options should he continue to play second fiddle.

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