Journalist moots Liam Cooper recall at Leeds United for Plymouth clash after Pascal Struijk development
There is the assumption at Leeds United that Liam Cooper could be recalled to the starting eleven against Plymouth on Saturday after Pascal Struijk’s injury blow, according to Beren Cross.
The Leeds Live journalist, shared on Saturday morning (11 November) that Daniel Farke will be forced into “surgery” on an in-form line-up against the Championship strugglers at Elland Road.
Farke confirmed that Struijk would miss the clash with the Pilgrims as he undergoes surgery for a hernia [Phil Hay, 9 November], with the hope being that he will be available for selection after the international break.
And that could force Farke to hand Cooper his first Leeds start since their 3-1 defeat to Southampton on 30 September, but the German did point out alternatives.
Cross wrote: “It is virtually the one and only realistic debate hanging over Daniel Farke’s Leeds United selection this afternoon. With Pascal Struijk out through injury, the assumption is captain Liam Cooper returns to the side.
“However, Farke was keen to stress there were multiple options he could go with, including Sam Byram or Ethan Ampadu alongside Joe Rodon. That would then mean further surgery to an in-form line-up.”
Risk
The Elland Road veteran has also endured a bit-part role back at his club so far this season with Rodon and Struijk Daniel Farke’s preferred pairing at centre-back, starting just three Championship games.
His last start against Southampton certainly showed a player well past his best and not ready to start games on a regular basis at this level, for which Farke could be making a big risk starting him against Plymouth.
As he enters the final year of his contract at Elland Road, it had appeared as though Cooper’s Leeds career was stuttering towards its conclusion, but Struijk’s injury may present the Scotsman with the perfect chance to stake his claim again.
However, there is indeed the option that the German intends to go with Byram or Ampadu at centre-back, especially the latter who has played numerous times in the role at international and club level.
Whoever Farke goes with in the end, Leeds United will be expected to pick up the three points against the Pilgrims and no excuses must be made should they fail to do that on Saturday afternoon.
Would be a massive disappointment even in Struijk’s absence.
In other Leeds United news, Farke may be pushed to drop Joel Piroe after the end of his “honeymoon” period at Elland Road