Leeds United centre-back Liam Cooper is out for the opening day clash against Wolves with an achilles issue.

The Whites are two days away from their first game of the Premier League campaign, with Elland Road playing host to a clash against Wolves on Saturday.

Injuries have been a constant theme of Jesse Marsch’s time at Leeds, inheriting issues from Marcelo Bielsa’s squad, but seeing major setbacks throughout his time too.

Liam Cooper was absent from Leeds’ final pre-season game again as the club sweated on his fitness prior to the start of the new season.

With the game now two days away, Cooper has been confirmed by Jesse Marsch as missing for Saturday with an achilles injury that he sustained during the off-season:

“Liam Cooper has had an achilles issue from his off-season programme in running on a treadmill, and it’s taking him a long time to get back into training.

“This week, he’s been back on the pitch doing individual work finally, but he will not be available this weekend.

“We’re hopeful by next week, he’s in team training.”

Cooper has been vital to the side when he’s been fit under Marsch and not having him for the opening day is a big blow.

Thankfully, it’s one of the few positions where a backup option arguably has as much ability as the person who is first choice.

I’d expect Diego Llorente and Robin Koch to start at the back against Wolves after they played together very well last Sunday.

It’s not the ideal start to the season to have your captain out, but hopefully, he’s not going to be far off.

Leeds United season ticket holder since 2013/14, currently situated in the middle of the FA5 noise. From Pablo Hernandez to 5-1 drubbings, I've seen it all at Elland Road.

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