Leeds United vs Derby County - Leeds defender Liam Cooper hoping to be fit for Derby clash

Posted Friday, January 13, 2017 by PA

Leeds centre-half Liam Cooper is hoping to be fit and avert a potential defensive crisis for his side's home game against Derby.

Cooper was forced out of Monday night's FA Cup win at Cambridge with a knee problem and if he fails to make it head coach Garry Monk will be without two centre-backs as Pontus Jansson is suspended.

Jansson received his 10th booking of the season at Cambridge and starts a two-game ban so Monk could be forced to switch right-back Luke Ayling into central defence to partner Kyle Bartley.

Chris Wood, Liam Bridcutt and Pablo Hernandez are among those expected to return to the starting line-up, but left-back Charlie Taylor remains sidelined due to an Achilles injury.

Will Hughes is a doubt for Derby but new signing David Nugent should be in the squad.

Midfielder Hughes has been banned for the last two matches but is now unlikely to be risked at Elland Road as he nurses a knee injury.

Striker Nugent arrived at the club this week from Middlesbrough and is set to be involved, but Jacob Butterfield remains suspended.

Right-back Cyrus Christie is expected to return to training at the start of next week after over two months out with a broken bone in his right foot. Chris Baird has impressed in Christie's absence and will be involved against Leeds.