Javi Gracia has told Thursday’s press conference that captain Liam Cooper looks likely to replace Max Wober on Saturday when Leeds United travel south to take on Arsenal at The Emirates – after helping Scotland beat Spain.
Cooper, 31, has not been seen in a Leeds shirt for almost two months – last playing in the 1-0 defeat to Forest at the City Ground. A game in which saw Jesse Marsch sacked. Injury, and the arrival of Wober, have left him out of the XI.
But after warming the bench in the 4-2 win over Wolves, Cooper was selected by Steve Clarke for Scotland’s games against Cyprus and Spain. He did not feature against Cyprus, but did come on in the final 15 minutes against Spain.
The story of Scotland’s international break was Scott McTominay scoring four goals in two games – including in a 2-0 win over Spain. But for Leeds, it saw Cooper play his first minutes since February 2, to the delight of boss Gracia.
Gracia was asked if Cooper would come in for Wober, after the latter picked up a hamstring injury during Austria’s 4-1 Euro 2024 qualifying win over Azerbaijan. With Wober now out of the Arsenal game, Gracia said Cooper is fit.
“Liam is ready. All of us watched the game, I suffered a little bit but I enjoyed it because I could see him playing again. I know how important for him, and for us, he is. At this point of the season, we need all of the players ready.”
Gracia says Cooper likely to replace Wober when Leeds take on Arsenal
It is a huge blow to lose Wober. He has been excellent since joining Leeds. But Leeds do have depth these days and bringing a player with the experience of £35k-a-week Cooper, especially in these situations, is a good replacement.
The issue for Gracia is that Cooper will be lacking in match sharpness, coming up against one of the best teams in the division. Leeds and Cooper need to keep Arsenal out for long enough to make the fans worried, and capitalise.
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