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BBC pundit Whelan reacts to Leeds star Pontus Jansson’s injury, comments on Cooper performance

Leeds United's Liam Cooper (REUTERS)
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Leeds star was substituted at half-time.

Blackburn's Danny Graham in action with Leeds' Pontus JanssonBlackburn’s Danny Graham in action with Leeds’ Pontus Jansson

Leeds United centre-back Pontus Jansson suffered an injury against Bristol City in last night’s 1-0 defeat.

Jansson has been a key player for Leeds ever since his arrival on loan from Torino in late August.

He was substituted at half-time, with Bristol City scoring their winner early in the second half, with an apparent hamstring injury.

BBC Radio Leeds pundit Noel Whelan admitted after the game that losing Jansson was a tough break for the club, but also defended his replacement, Liam Cooper.

Leeds United's Liam CooperLeeds United’s Liam Cooper

Whelan said of Jansson: “He was bossing the young lad [Tammy Abraham]. He didn’t really give him a sniff, or sight of goal.

“He and Kyle Bartley looked solid together. He is a big miss. I’m hoping its not a tear and just a slight strain but you never know with hamstrings. It could be four days it could be four weeks.”

Whelan felt Liam Cooper played well after coming on, commenting: “He’s not had much game time recently. He didn’t really do anything wrong. It was all pretty much Leeds United in the second half.”

Passing AccuracyWon TackleInterception WonBall RecoveryAerial WonOutfielder BlockEffective ClearanceMins Played
Liam Cooper79%12410245
Pontus Jansson76%03451445

Comparing the performances of the duo, Jansson was far more dominant aerially, winning five battles to Cooper’s one.

He also blocked one shot, but did not win a tackle cleanly, with Cooper doing so. Jansson edged it in terms of interceptions, making three.

Despite Cooper’s efforts, Leeds will be hoping Jansson is back as quickly as possible, starting with the fixture at home to Barnsley this weekend.

Rajiv van La Parra of Huddersfield Town in action with Pontus Jansson of Leeds UnitedRajiv van La Parra of Huddersfield Town in action with Pontus Jansson of Leeds United