Leeds United will be facing an all to familiar feeling with some of their key players picking up injuries at a crucial stage of the season. 

The likes of Eddie Nketiah, Ezgjan Alioski and Liam Cooper are just some of the names that have been ruled out in recent weeks though injury and Marcelo Bielsa will be keen to have them back in action at the earliest of opportunities.

Cooper in particular will have been a big miss for Leeds, with their captain picking up a groin problem in recent weeks which has seen him miss international duty with Scotland this week.

But it has been revealed by Football Insider that Cooper is making good progress in his recovery, and could be available for when Leeds are back in league action against Luton Town.

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It won't be an easy game by any stretch of the imagination for Marcelo Bielsa's side, but they'll know that these are the sorts of games they need to win if they're to stand any chance of winning promotion to the Premier League.

Leeds have a busy schedule after the international set of fixtures as well, with three games in the space of eight days, which could give them a clear indication of where they'll finish in the Championship this term.

Cooper has made 12 appearances so far this season, and will be hoping he can continue to build on a number of impressive showings in the heart of defence alongside Brighton loanee Ben White.

The Verdict: 

This will be a real boost for Leeds heading into what could be a season-defining festive period.

Cooper has already shown that he offers Leeds both qualities on and off the pitch, with his leadership being a real attribute to the Whites in recent seasons.

There's no doubting that the majority of the Elland Road faithful have more confidence in defence when Cooper is in their, with Gaetano Berardi not being the most reliable of players in the back line.

The sooner Cooper is back, the better chances Leeds stand at winning promotion to the Premier League this season.