Leeds United have been dealt a double injury blow after the club confirmed that Liam Cooper and Jamie Shackleton will both sidelined until November.
The Whites have issued a statement saying that Cooper has been ruled out for six weeks after he limped off against West Bromwich Albion with a a groin injury.
While Shackleton, who also picked a knock in the win over Albion at Elland Road, will be sidelined for four weeks with a hamstring problem.
The double injury blow comes at a crucial time in the season for Marcelo Bielsa's side, who regained top spot with a 1-0 victory over the Baggies on Tuesday night.
Both men will miss the up coming games against Millwall, Birmingham, Preston North End and Sheffield Wednesday in October, while Shackleton could return in time for the clash against QPR at Elland Road on Saturday, November 2.
While Copper won't be available for selection until after the November international break, with the game against Luton Town at Kenilworth Road on Saturday, November 23, looking like his most likely return date.
One positive is that there are two international breaks in the next six weeks, minimalising the number of Leeds United fixtures in this period.
Games that both Shackleton and Cooper could potentially miss:
October 5 - Millwall vs Leeds United (Championship)
October 19 - Leeds United vs Birmingham City (Championship)
October 22 - Preston North End vs Leeds United (Championship)
October 26 - Sheffield Wednesday vs Leeds United (Championship)
Additional Games Cooper could potentially miss:
November 2 - Leeds United vs Queens Park Rangers (Championship)
November 9 - Leeds United vs Blackburn Rovers (Championship)
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