Liam Cooper was on the receiving end of what looked like a twisted ankle as the Leeds United skipper scored his 11th goal for the club on Sunday against Cardiff – and Daniel Farke commented on the injury, as per Leeds Live.
Following a frustrating first half in which Josh Bowler and Ike Ugbo scored for Cardiff, Leeds came back to draw. Cooper won a brave header from a Crysencio Summerville corner, to plant the ball past goalkeeper Jak Alnwick.
But as Cooper landed, it looked as if he twisted his ankle. He was immediately writhing in pain in the six-yard box after reducing the deficit. His bravery, on his 266th Leeds outing, was the catalyst for our two-goal comeback.
Obviously, Cooper is going to be important – as proven by his display on Sunday. Asked about Cooper’s injury, Farke said: “We have to wait for further assessment. Rolled his ankle and we are checking him. We desperately need him.”
Daniel Farke comments on Liam Cooper injury as Leeds draw with Cardiff
In the nine years Cooper has been at Leeds, this is probably the time in which we have needed him the most. Not only a Leeds leader, or a big voice in the dressing room with promotion experience – but our best central defender.
Over the years, Cooper has been second fiddle or fighting for his spot in the side. Especially in the Premier League. But Cooper will be crucial this season and it is of utmost importance he returns to full fitness as quickly as possible.
Farke is aware of this. Perhaps, Cooper’s injury will convince Leeds to ramp up a move to bring in a centre-back, or even two players. Greece star Pantelis Chatzidiakos and Liverpool’s Nat Phillips are among the players on our list.
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