Leeds United employee issues ‘horrific’ injury claim amid Liam Cooper verdict
Leeds United have had horrific luck with injuries this season but have a fully fit squad at the perfect time, according to Noel Whelan.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, Leeds ambassador and former forward claimed Liam Cooper’s return has helped the side’s turnaround in fortunes.
The club captain, 30, has started the Whites’ last two Premier League fixtures as they extended their unbeaten run to four games.
Before that, he missed over three months of football while Leeds have also been without Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford at various points this term.
“Every manager wants everybody fit and everybody available,” Whelan told Football Insider assistant editor Russell Edge.
“Cooper has been excellent at the back since he’s come back. He’s been that leader and captain that you want.
“We’ve had a horrific run of injuries to very important players. It’s not about the length of the season now, it’s how you finish.
“We’re getting these players back now right at a good time, the back end of the season where you want the competition for places.
“You want that problem where they are pushing each other, driving each other on. Everyone is out there on the training ground working hard for one another.
“This break will give them that extra time with Jesse Marsch to plan for the next game ahead.
“It’s another difficult one, Palace away. It’s a resurgent Palace side under Patrick Vieria who has accumulated a good squad with youth and experience.
“It’s going to be a really interesting game and we’ll be up for the clash.”
Leeds travel to Crystal Palace next Monday (25 April).
They then have consecutive games against Man City, Arsenal and Chelsea.
In other news, a Leeds United rising star is set to quit Elland Road.