Leeds United veteran Liam Cooper had a “brutal” injury while on international duty with Scotland, according to the Daily Record.
According to the newspaper [4 June, pages 50 and 51], the 32-year-old was spotted clutching his knee before being substituted in Scotland’s 2-0 win over Gibraltar on Monday, June 3.
This appears to be another setback for the centre-back, who is out of contract at Elland Road this summer, though he may negotiate a new term with the Championship club.
“Clarke has to cut one from his group of 27 and it could be his decision is made for him after yet more injury heartache for Liam Cooper, with the defender limping off clutching his knee towards the end,” writes Michael Gannon.
Leeds United Liam Cooper suffered an international setback.
The experienced defender played only 32 minutes after coming on as a half-time substitution for Grant Hanley before being replaced himself.
With his future at Elland Road unknown, and his contract scheduled to end this summer, that decision may have already been made for him while on international duty.
Despite Pascal Struijk’s injury, he only made eight Championship starts this season, as Daniel Farke preferred Ethan Ampadu and Joe Rodon at centre-back.
Cooper will be committed to a backup role next season if he is granted a new contract as Leeds look to achieve promotion to the Premier League after missing out on the Championship play-offs.
While the club will most certainly have to sell a couple of its stars this summer, Cooper is unlikely to get a continuous look-in next season, which might secure his future away from Elland Road.
It will be a dreadful start if he is unable to travel with the Scotland side to EURO 2024, missing out on an opportunity to perform on one of the world’s largest stages.
