Tuesday announcement a blow for Leeds, player already somewhat injury prone

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Scotland have announced on Tuesday afternoon that Liam Cooper has been re-called to the side for the first time since March 2017 – but the news will come as a blow to Leeds United and their bid for promotion.

Cooper, 28, has been in sensational form for Leeds since Marcelo Bielsa arrived at the club. He played 38 times last season, helping Leeds keep 14 clean sheets. The former Chesterfield ace was even able to score on three separate occasions.

Continuing as captain this season, Cooper has been in excellent form – starring in his side’s first four league games. However, he had a knock, preventing him from playing against Stoke City last time out – which saw Leeds win 3-0.

He is expected to miss Tuesday night’s Carabao Cup clash against the same opponents but will return to action for Leeds on the weekend, with the Whites taking on second-placed Swansea City – who are currently captained by Matt Grimes.

Following Saturday’s outing against Swansea, Cooper will have been expecting to rest up during the international break but it now looks as though he could win his first Scotland cap. They take on Russia and Belgium in Euro 2020 qualifying.

Cooper certainly has a strong chance of winning his first cap, after failing to do so in previous call-ups which came in March 2016 and then a year later. This is his first time in over two years to be recognised by his country.

But for Leeds, Cooper’s inclusion is bad news. Already somewhat prone to injury – a knock this season, a hamstring injury in August 2018 and a knee problem in December and January – Leeds will have been hoping for Cooper to rest during the break.

But Cooper is now set to risk injury even more than before by training and playing on the international scene – if indeed he accepts the call-up. It is a blow for Leeds, with the Whites lacking in options at the heart of their defence.

Gaetano Berardi replaced Cooper on the weekend but he is more suited to full-back. Kalvin Phillips can drop deeper, but he is preferred in midfield. Luke Ayling is better on the right, and Pascal Struijk is still untested.

Leeds need Cooper fit, but his Scotland call-up will be a blow for the promotion hopefuls.