New Leeds United manager Daniel Farke really is up against it in his early days in the dugout due to the current injury list at Elland Road.
Attacking trio Patrick Bamford, Georginio Rutter and Mateo Joseph were all ruled out of the opening day Championship clash against Cardiff City on Sunday (6 August).
Senior players Jack Harrison, Stuart Dallas and Tyler Adams are also sidelined with issues, and things have only gotten worse for the Whites after the 2-2 draw with the Bluebirds.
The two goal scorers from the Elland Road draw – Liam Cooper and Crysencio Summerville – have now been added to the list.
“Leeds United can confirm Liam Cooper ruptured his plantar fascia during Sunday’s 2-2 Sky Bet Championship draw with Cardiff City,” as per the official Leeds website. “As a result of the injury, the Whites captain is ruled out of action for up to eight weeks.
“Crysencio Summerville, who scored Sunday’s late equaliser, also picked up a groin strain during the match, ruling the winger out for up to three weeks.”
The injury to the Leeds captain could certainly have implications for Farke in terms of transfers, with the Yorkshire Evening Post (7 August) reporting that a move for AZ Alkmaar man Panetlis Chatzidiakos would depend on the severity of Cooper’s injury.
And now that the West Yorkshire club know just how severe Cooper’s issue is, a deal for Chatzidiakos looks almost certain.
It is highly unlikely that Farke will want to continue without a replacement for his captain, and Greece international Chatzidiakos is seemingly the most suitable option the Whites have given the circumstances.
