Liam Cooper will not be missing from action for Leeds United for very long after dropping out of the starting line-up at Stoke City.
The Whites captain carried a knock into Wednesday’s Brentford clash at Elland Road, but was deemed to fit enough to start and complete 90 minutes.
However, after being described as a doubt in Friday’s press conference, Bielsa followed up by leaving Cooper out of the 18 at bet365 Stadium.
While the skipper travelled to match with his team-mates, it was not deemed worth the risk to play him and aggravate the injury, which is described as a kick to his leg.
The Whites next play on Tuesday night, again against Stoke, but in the Carabao Cup at Elland Road where Bielsa expects to play a similar XI to that which beat Salford City.
Cooper may then be fit for the visit of Swansea City in the league next Saturday at home before a two-week international break.
“He could have played today, but he wasn’t 100 per cent,” said Bielsa on Saturday afternoon after the 3-0 win.
