The American was optimistic that Cooper's 'weird sensation' in his knee was not a significant problem, therefore it's possible the captain plays. Cooper has been described at Leeds as the master of getting himself right for matchdays even after a disrupted week of training and if he's in any way close to contention, he'll push to be involved in such a big game.
The loss of the captain during the warm-up last weekend for the Manchester City game felt costly for Leeds, especially as the visitors to Elland Road profited at two set-pieces where Cooper comes in very handy as an effective aerial combatant. Just four games remain to save the Whites from the drop and injuries and niggles that wouldn't lead to gambles earlier in the season might just, at this stage.
Whether or not we see Cooper in the starting line-up, there will definitely be a change to the side that started against Manchester City. Stuart Dallas underwent surgery this week and is out for a 'lengthy period' meaning Leeds will go into a Premier League game without the Ulsterman for the first time since their 2020 promotion.
His removal from the squad leaves Luke Ayling and Jamie Shackleton as the right-back, or right wing-back options, unless Marsch particularly liked what he saw from Raphinha in that role in the second half last weekend. The Brazilian is needed further forward, you would have thought.
As for the formation, Marsch could revert to the back four he had used since his arrival or, perhaps buoyed by the positives in the performance during last week's 4-0 defeat, he will stick with five at the back. The thinking could be that had it not been for two set-piece goals, Leeds would have been right in the game against an opposition unquestionably better than Arsenal. Setting up to be defensively solid and looking to hit the Gunners on the break could be the plan again, especially away from home. Nicking any kind of a result would be big for Leeds. They must win at least one of the last four, but this one cannot be seen as a must-win fixture, not with Arsenal in their current form and fighting for a Champions League spot.
The YEP prediction is five at the back, once again, lining up as follows...
1. GK: Illan Meslier
The most nailed-on starter all season long. This has been a rough campaign for Meslier due to the side's defensive difficulties but the problems have very rarely started with him.
2. RWB: Luke Ayling
Ayling does his best work in the final third as a right-back or right wing-back and if Leeds need someone to drive them forward and provide width they can look to him.
3. LWB: Junior Firpo
With Dallas out Firpo is the club's only real option at left-back or left wing-back. He has come in for criticism in his debut season, some of it warranted, and needs to finish the season strongly.
4. CB: Liam Cooper
If he feels anywhere near 100 per cent, or even 90 per cent, he'll stick his hand in the air to play. Marsch was optimistic over the captain. He was excellent in the two games before Man City.
5. CB: Pascal Struijk
Hasn't been as good as he can be but can be very solid when he has solid performers alongside him. Next to Cooper and Koch he would add aerial presence and ball-playing ability.
6. CB: Robin Koch
Has been playing in a defensive midfield role but looks like he can have more of an influence on the game as a centre-back, which is more of a natural role for him.