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Marsch could unleash Leeds ace who ‘plays flawlessly’ for the first time in PL this season v Villa – TBR View
Leeds United return to Premier League action on Sunday when they host Aston Villa at Elland Road.
The Whites will hope to end a three-game winless streak and make amends for their 5-2 loss to Brentford last time out.
Leeds will take on a Villa side that beat Southampton 1-0 and drew 1-1 with Manchester City before the international break.
Jesse Marsch will have some thinking to do with regards to his options at centre-back.
Diego Llorente wasn’t particularly great against Brighton and Brentford, so his place in the Leeds starting XI could be under threat.
And Leeds captain Liam Cooper is fit once again, so there’s a good chance he could come in against Villa.
The Whites skipper endured a difficult summer following a freak Achilles injury he sustained in pre-season.
Cooper sat out of all five of Leeds’ pre-season friendly games and missed out on a significant amount of training.
‘As close to 100 as I have seen him’
Marsch opted not to rush the 31-year-old back into action, and he’s yet to play in the league this term.
Cooper’s first appearance of the season came in the Carabao Cup win over Barnsley in August.
Leeds then saw two league games postponed following the death of Queen Elizabeth II.
However, Cooper still got more minutes under his belt ahead of the international break.
He played the full 90 minutes and scored for Leeds Under-21s in their Premier League 2 win over Southampton’s U21s.
Now, ahead of Sunday’s meeting with Aston Villa at Elland Road, Marsch was able to provide good news on Cooper.
“We have Coops, Luke, Junior all back,” quote Marsch as saying.
“Those guys featured when healthy almost every time last year. All three a big boost to our team.
“I cannot make a wrong decision at RB. Luke did very well against Brentford.
“Tough decision, but both will be ready, Junior fitter and healthier, big boost.
“Coops as close to 100 as I have seen him. Options there.”
‘The best I’ve ever seen’
Earlier this season, Marsch made clear he’d be counting on Cooper.
“Liam is going to play a big role in the team no matter what,” he told .
“I told Liam even before we put him on the pitch, he hadn’t trained much before this match and he it was the same when he came back from his injury in the spring.
“And when he came back again the second time after he picked up a little knee injury.
“Every time we put him on the pitch he plays flawlessly almost.
“So in terms of a mentality and being a professional and a leader, he’s the best I’ve ever seen.
“We will need him. Trust me, he will be used and he will be needed.”
With Leeds desperately in need of a victory, Cooper’s arrival comes at the perfect time.
The Elland Road veteran is just the man needed to marshal the back four and replace the struggling Llorente.