Liam Cooper has dropped out of Leeds United’s first-team in recent weeks, but could return against Barnsley.
Garry Monk has insisted in the Yorkshire Evening Post that he has full faith in Leeds United defender Liam Cooper.
Cooper has dropped out of Leeds’ starting line-up in recent weeks, with Pontus Jansson and Kyle Bartley forming the Yorkshire side’s first-choice central defensive pairing.
Jansson and Bartley appear to have built up a rock solid partnership, which has helped Leeds win four of their last five matches.
However, with Jansson a doubt for Leeds’ match against Barnsley this weekend, Cooper could come back into the Whites’ starting line-up.
And Monk said: “Coops came on second half and did an excellent job [against Bristol City].
“I’ve got three very good centre-backs here and all across the squad it’s very difficult picking the team. Everyone’s at it in training. You go with what you feel is best.
“Whoever starts will have the full backing of everyone. I wouldn’t say players accept it and they’re disappointed (to be left out) but that’s a good thing. What they won’t be is a disruption because they understand the most important thing is the team.”
Jansson has damaged his thigh, and while the injury is not thought to be a serious one, Leeds will not want to take any risks.
The Swede has made a massive impact since arriving from Torino, and Leeds will not want to be without him for a lengthy period of time.
If Leeds are able to win the Yorkshire derby against Barnsley, they could move up into 10th place in the Championship table.
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