Leeds United vs Nottingham Forest preview - Cooper set for Leeds return

Posted Friday, March 13, 2015 by PA

Leeds skipper Liam Cooper is expected to return to contention for the home game against Nottingham Forest.

Central defender Cooper missed last week's win at Wigan due to a hip problem but returned to full training in midweek and head coach Neil Redfearn must decide whether to recall him to the starting XI, with Gaetano Berardi likely to make way.

Midfielder Rudy Austin returned to light training this week after missing the last three games due to a thigh injury but remains doubtful, while Sam Byram will be assessed after he too missed out against Wigan due to a bruised foot.

Teenage midfielder Kalvin Phillips is pushing for his first-team debut but is likely to start on the bench again.

Henri Lansbury and Danny Fox will both be fit for Forest.

Lansbury was substituted at half-time against Middlesbrough last weekend and went to hospital with bruised ribs but the midfielder has recovered and is expected to retain his place in the team.

Fox is also available for the Reds after recovering from an ankle injury he sustained in training, although it remains to be seen if the defender will go straight back into the starting line-up.

Striker Matty Fryatt will miss out through injury but Forest could involve winger Modou Barrow, signed on loan from Swansea on Thursday, if they receive international clearance in time.