Leeds team news vs Fulham and expected return dates for Cooper and Forshaw

Leeds announced their return to the big time in a seven-goal thriller against Liverpool last Saturday.

Three times Marcelo Bielsa’s side pegged Liverpool back at Anfield and they were ruthless as they scored from each of their efforts on target.

They also enjoyed more of the possession, which is almost unheard of for a visiting team to Anfield.

After their shadow side were embarrassingly dumped out of the Carabao Cup by League One Hull on Wednesday night, they return to Premier League action on Saturday against Fulham at Elland Road.

Bielsa will bring back all the regulars he rested on Wednesday and he has also been boosted by the return of a club stalwart.

Liam Cooper

Injury: calf strain

Expected return date: Saturday

Cooper said on social media that “gutted would be an understatement” after he missed the Liverpool clash with a calf strain picked up on international duty with Scotland.

He came close to playing at Anfield and failed a late fitness test on Merseyside.

Bielsa claimed then that his injury was not serious and has confirmed the Leeds skipper will return to lead the team out against Fulham.

“We think Cooper will be ready to the play the game on Saturday,” said the Leeds head coach.

Adam Forshaw

Injury: hip

Expected return date: October

Forshaw has been out since having surgery in February to correct a hip problem, which had dogged him for most of last season.

His last appearance was a year ago and he has continued his recovery during the lockdown.

He is doing some training with his team-mates, but Bielsa says he will need at least a couple more weeks to regain full fitness.

“Forshaw has been taking part in collective training apart from playing any actual football,” said Bielsa.

“Next week his rehabilitation will continue.”

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