Marcelo Bielsa expects Luke Ayling to step up as a captain while Leeds United wait for Liam Cooper’s return after losing the star defender through injury, via quotes by Leeds Live.
Cooper was one of three casualties from the Whites’ 2-2 draw with Brentford last Sunday. He sustained a hamstring injury after 15-minutes, which Phil Hay of The Athletic expects will keep the Scotland international out for a lengthy spell over the club’s festive schedule.
Saturday’s trip to Chelsea will now be Leeds’ first Premier League game this season without Cooper. He is one of only three with Stuart Dallas and Illan Meslier to open each of their 15 top-flight games. Cooper has also played five more at centre-half than any United player.
Ayling was making his return from a knee injury as Leeds hosted Brentford at Elland Road. He missed the club’s prior eight league fixtures after a minor operation to resolve the issue.
The 30-year-old played the entirety of the Bees meeting and provided the assist for Patrick Bamford’s 95th-minute equaliser. It marked Ayling’s first of the season after six outings.
Bielsa expects Ayling to step up for Leeds amid Cooper injury
Bielsa expects Ayling will return to peak condition quickly after the full-back made his first start since September as Leeds drew with Bretford on the dynamo’s return from injury.
The Argentine will also expect the £35k-a-week defender to step up as a captain for the Whites in Cooper’s absence.
“He’s a versatile player,” Bielsa said. “He can defend as a full-back or centre-back [and] he’s got a lot of personality.
“He takes risks with the ball and he is especially optimistic and he transmits faith, energy to all of us. In the absence of Cooper, we can say he is a great captain.
“When Ayling finds his match fitness, he’s a player, for me, of a very high level. When he plays consecutive games, he acquires his best level quickly.”
Ayling made his return at centre-half and could occupy a central role for Leeds at Chelsea following Cooper’s injury. He also featured in the position against Everton and Newcastle United this season, in games which likewise ended as draws.
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