Scotland boss Steve Clarke has handed Leeds United a fresh fitness boost after Liam Cooper was called-up for international duty later this month. The Whites defender has been absent from Leeds' last three matchday squads and not appeared in the Premier League for seven games in the Whites battle against relegation, but is set to feature for his country in the upcoming international break.
Clarke's side begin their qualifying campaign against Cyprus on Saturday, 25 March before hosting Spain three days later. Cooper has not played 90 minutes since defeat to Nottingham Forest in Jesse Marsch's last game in charge.
The Whites skipper has started just 12 of Leeds' 26 Premier League matches this term as Luke Ayling has taken the armband in his absence.
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Cooper was named on the bench in the defeat to Everton at Goodison Park last month and hasn't featured under new boss Javi Gracia. The Spaniard has kept cards close to his chest in terms of Cooper's fitness and a possible return date.
However, the inclusion in Scotland's squad suggests he's almost back in contention. Writing in his pre-match programme notes ahead of the 2-2 draw with Brighton, Cooper opened up on his frustrating recent lay-off.
“Personally it’s been frustrating to miss the last few matches with injury and I didn’t expect to be out for as long as I have been," he said. "Naturally, all I want to do is get back out on the pitch as soon as possible and help the team as much as I can. Hopefully I can do that sooner rather than later."
Cooper's fellow Leeds defender Max Wober will also be reporting for international duty after the Wolves game, as Austria selected him for their Euro qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Estonia, while Kristoffer Klaesson and Leo Hjelde will join up with Norway's under-21s side for matches against the Netherlands and Portugal.
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