By Alan Hutton

3rd May, 2022 | 4:44pm

Leeds United news: Expert issues 'big' Liam Cooper injury claim

Alan Hutton is optimistic Liam Cooper can make a swift recovery after suffering a fresh injury setback at Leeds United.

Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Scotland and Rangers defender admitted losing the 30-year-old in the warm-up against Manchester City was a big blow.

As confirmed by Jesse Marsch, as relayed by journalist Phil Hay on Twitter, Cooper suffered a knee problem that would require a scan.

He was replaced by Mateusz Klich in the starting XI.

Hutton admitted the centre-back was sorely missed after helping the Whites to clean sheets against Watford and Crystal Palace.

He hoped the fact Cooper “flagged it up” early on could see him return to action sooner rather than later.

“Of course, it’s a loss because the whole game plan is built a lot around defending solidly,” Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge.

“Two clean sheets on the bounce, being part of that, your confidence is high. It’s Man City, you give your all but you are expected to get beat.

“It doesn’t help when you take a major piece of the team out, that’s not going to help.

“But you’re just hoping (he makes a quick recovery). Moving forward there are big games coming up.

“It’s the right call. He’s flagged it up early, he hasn’t played and aggravated it anymore. Hopefully, he’s ready for the next games.”

Cooper missed nearly four months of action with a serious hamstring injury earlier this season.

Leeds’ clean sheet against Watford in early April was the Whites’ first since November.

In other news, pundit claims Leeds United should receive heavy punishment after Raphinha claim.