Leeds United: Luckless Berardi is ruled out again

LEEDS United right back Gaetano Berardi is facing up to six weeks out with a hamstring injury.
Gaetano BerardiGaetano Berardi
Gaetano Berardi

The Swiss international lasted just 22 minutes of United’s Championship opener at Queens Park Rangers and was subsequently sent for a scan.

And head coach Garry Monk has now revealed that the 27-year-old is facing between four and six weeks on the sidelines, though the Whites boss is optimistic the defender might return sooner than envisaged.

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Monk reported: “I think we are looking at around four weeks and possibly between four and six weeks would be the total right now.

“But I am told he is a very good healer.

“If it’s less than that time great, but if not, then that’s the time frame so far.”

Berardi will be Monk’s only absentee through injury for Tuesday night’s visit of Fulham, with the head coach revealing that centre-back Liam Cooper is available for selection after overcoming a calf injury and returning to full fitness.

Cooper played the first 45 minutes of United’s EFL Cup clash at Fleetwood Town last Wednesday but did not feature in Saturday’s 2-1 home defeat to Birmingham City.

Asked about the fitness of Cooper, Monk declared: “They are all ready, all the group.

“The only fitness concern is Berardi and everyone else is fit for selection.”