Doctor shares if Leeds United defender Liam Cooper in condition to start v Preston
We’re delighted to welcome injury expert Dr Rajpal Brar as our exclusive columnist. Each week he’ll be giving his views on the injury situation at Leeds United...
Leeds United defender Liam Cooper may not be ready to start v Preston despite returning to the bench against Ipswich Town, according to Dr Rajpal Brar.
The Scotland international was an unused substitute as the Whites secured an impressive 4-0 victory and is likely to first be introduced in the second halves of games, per the injury expert.
Daniel Farke's side travel to Deepdale on Boxing Day hoping to put pressure on the top two.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Brar, a specialist in Physical Therapy and Sports Scientist, said about Cooper:
"Cooper had been out for a few weeks with a hamstring injury.
"Based on his initial timeline, it sounded like he should be returning later this month and that’s what happened so he’s on track at least in terms of availability.
"Him being on the bench indicates the possibility of bounce minutes but it seems highly unlikely he’ll be starting on boxing day unless the team are forced into it."
Cooper's last appearance for Leeds was in November when he played one minute in the 3-1 victory over Swansea.
The 32-year-old has not been the first-choice centre-back but has proven to be a valuable understudy whenever Pascal Struijk and Joe Rodon.
It remains to be seen if he will be at Elland Road next season as there have been reports linking him with a move away from the club.