‘Looked really strong’: Marsch says £35k-a-week Leeds ace is now ready to explode

Thu 25 August 2022 21:15, UK

Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch says Liam Cooper “feels great” and “will be ready for this weekend”.

The Whites boss was speaking to on Thursday ahead of the team’s Premier League trip to Brighton.

Leeds have enjoyed a sensational start to the new season, picking up seven points from their opening three games.

In addition, the Elland Road outfit sent a message to the rest of the division by hammering Chelsea 3-0 last week.

Leeds have also progressed in the Carabao Cup, beating Barnsley 3-1 on Wednesday night.

Now, with Marsch and co heading to Brighton on Saturday, Cooper’s return to fitness is another welcome boost.

The Leeds captain is to have picked up an Achilles issue while training on a treadmill during the off-season.

Cooper sat out of all five of Leeds’ pre-season friendly games and missed a significant amount of training.

As a result, the 30-year-old has had to be eased back into action and wasn’t risked against Southampton or Chelsea.

Cooper eventually returned – and led Leeds out – against Barnsley, impressing in a 45-minute outing.

Now, Marsch has confirmed that the ace is fully fit and is ready and raring to go.

Asked by Leeds Live whether Cooper came through okay, the Leeds boss replied: “Yeah. that was very important for us.

“The idea was 30 to 45 and 30 minutes he looked really strong so we went with 45.

“He feels great. He’ll be ready for this weekend and then again trying to figure out exactly what his role will be.”

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