Leeds United take on Middlesbrough in the Championship on Friday.
Leeds United boss Marcelo Bielsa has told Leeds Live that Liam Cooper could feature against Middlesbrough – and Adam Forshaw may return after the international break.
The Whites lost for the first time under Bielsa on Tuesday night, as Preston North End left Elland Road with a 2-0 win in the second round of the Carabao Cup.
Bielsa had previously failed to win just one competitive game as Leeds boss, and he will be looking for an instant return to form when his side host Middlesbrough at Elland Road on Friday.
Many of the players rested against Preston will be back in action on Friday, and Bielsa may yet have a boost to his squad for Friday’s game against Boro.
Defender Liam Cooper picked up an injury in the warm-up before the 2-2 draw with Swansea City, and hasn’t returned in the subsequent two games, leaving some wondering when he will return.
Now, Bielsa has told Leeds Live that he thinks Cooper could play against Middlesbrough, and that would be a boost to his defensive options, as he would have Luke Ayling, Gaetano Berardi, Pontus Jansson and Cooper all available.
Bielsa was also asked about midfielder Adam Forshaw, and suggested that he will be back for Leeds after the international break after around a month on the sidelines.
“Cooper has a possibility to play on Friday,” said Bielsa. “And Adam Forshaw will be available after the international break,” he added.
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