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Liam Cooper back in Leeds squad for Leicester game after recovering from groin strain

Liam Cooper of Leeds United during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Manchester City at Elland Road - Getty Images
Liam Cooper of Leeds United during the Premier League match between Leeds United and Manchester City at Elland Road - Getty Images

Leeds United captain Liam Cooper will return to Marcelo Bielsa’s squad for Monday’s clash against Leicester City after missing two games with a groin problem.

Cooper, 29, aggravated his injury in the warm-up before the Premier League defeat to Wolves, then was sidelined for the victory at Aston Villa.

“He is at a very good level,” said Bielsa. “Being able to count on him to pick him is very good.”

Bielsa has also been without Kalvin Phillips, who remains sidelined with a shoulder injury, with Jamie Shackletone poised to deputise at Elland Road when Brendan Rodgers’ team arrives.

Leeds have the Premier Leagues in-form striker in Patrick Bamford, who scored a hat-trick against Villa in his last game and credits Bielsa with changing him as a striker. He has five goals in six games this season which has put him in contention for an England call-up.

“Personally, I've changed a lot physically, mentally and I've got a manager who believes in me, puts his faith in me,” he told Sky. “That's massive. He's brought me on leaps and bounds with the training methods and sometimes tough love.

Leeds United's Patrick Bamford, 2nd right, celebrates with teamates his third goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Aston Villa and Leeds United  - AP
Leeds United's Patrick Bamford, 2nd right, celebrates with teamates his third goal during the English Premier League soccer match between Aston Villa and Leeds United - AP

"He needs to take a lot of credit, not only for me but the way our team performs. It's roughly the same group of players that, before he arrived, were a mid-table Championship side, that says it all.

"Of course I had a point to prove. I played a bit-part, minutes here and there, when I played in the Premier League before and never really got a proper chance at it.

"There was probably a lot of people that doubted me but, more than anything, proving it to myself [was important]. I always knew I could play at this level, so it was more for me to prove to myself that I can do well here.”