Leeds United will be buoyed this Sunday by the news that Liam Cooper is in contention to return to the starting XI this weekend following an abdominal injury sustained against Manchester United.
Marcelo Bielsa confirmed his captain's return to fitness while speaking to the media ahead of this weekend's FA Cup clash at the People's Pension Stadium with Crawley Town.
In response to LeedsLive's line of questioning regarding a return to fitness for the Whites' centre-backs, Bielsa confirmed both Cooper and Diego Llorente would be available if necessary this weekend.
This is a boost the team certainly need at the back, given the makeshift line-up Bielsa has been forced to field in recent weeks with multiple players out of position in defence.
It could also provide much-needed respite for Luke Ayling who has featured in each of Leeds' league games this season, split between his natural position at right-back and as a deputy centre-half.
Bielsa did caveat the news that his injured centre-back duo were returning to match fitness at different rates, with Cooper in contention to start, but Llorente would only feature if needed - likely through an injury to a starting centre-back.
The Spaniard has featured just once in a Whites shirt this season, an early substitute for Robin Koch at Stamford Bridge back in December.
Since then, Llorente has been sidelined with injury, suffering a minor setback prior to his initially projected return against Burnley on December 27th.
It will be welcome news to Leeds United supporters who are eager to see what Llorente can offer. Ian Poveda commended Llorente's start to life at the club, based on training ground displays, which has whet the appetite of fans.
Bielsa also confirmed that Tyler Roberts was yet again unavailable for this weekend's game, but refused to be drawn on the reasoning behind the Welshman's absence.
Despite this, he did indicate Roberts still had a role to play within his first-team squad when he becomes available once again.
Regarding the challenge Crawley pose this weekend, Bielsa affirmed that he had taken into consideration how the fourth tier outfit intend to set up, describing them as a team who "respond well to a direct approach."
Leeds United are live on BBC One at 13:30 on Sunday 10th December when they will take on League Two Crawley Town.
