Robbie Keane: Liam Cooper injury is big blow for Leeds United
Robbie Keane fears missing Liam Cooper could be a huge blow for Leeds United in the crucial stages of the season.
The Whites skipper, who recently returned to first-team action, picked up an injury prior to the game against Manchester City.
According to BBC journalist Adam Pope, Cooper has picked a knee problem and he will undergo a scan.
Keane said on Sky Sports (30 April) after the game: “Cooper. He’s gone before the game.
“If he was playing he would have been marking Dias. He is by far the best header of all. He’s a massive loss for Leeds before the game.
“You just wonder going forward how bad the injury is. He can be a big miss if he’s not back in the next four games.”
Massive loss
Yes, it will be a huge blow for Leeds if Cooper doesn’t return in the next four games.
The Whites skipper brings his wealth of experience and leadership qualities to the side, and he will be badly missed in the remaining few games, as the club fighting for survival.
He has played a pivotal role in the last few games, as Leeds managed three wins and two draws prior to this heavy defeat.
Cooper is a true leader at the back. He wins the headers and makes sure everyone remains in their position and maintains the defensive line. In his absence today, the Leeds defensive line was all over the place.
The Whites lacked leadership qualities at the back against City. Pascal Struijk and Robin Koch are good players, but they all made mistakes as City took advantage of set-pieces.
The next two games are huge for Leeds as they face Arsenal and Chelsea. The results of those two games are likely to shape their season, as they need to pick up more points to boost their survival hopes.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites are leading the race to complete a major signing and have already opened talks to seal a £25m deal.