TEAM NEWS - Reading v Leeds United: Liam Cooper starts for only change as Jamie Shackleton returns to the bench

CAPTAIN Liam Cooper makes a full return to the Leeds United side following a hamstring injury for Tuesday night's Championship clash at Reading.

Cooper injured his hamstring in the second half of the 2-1 win at home to Blackburn Rovers before the international break and only made the bench for Saturday's fixture at Luton Town.

Leeds United captain Liam Cooper. Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images.placeholder image
Leeds United captain Liam Cooper. Photo by Alex Davidson/Getty Images.

Gaetano Berardi instead came into the team but Cooper replaced Berardi one minute before the hour at Kenilworth Road and Cooper now resumes his place in the side as the only change made by Whites head coach Marcelo Bielsa.

Pablo Hernandez again starts with Helder Costa on the bench while Adam Forshaw (hip) and Eddie Nketiah (lower abdomen) remain out injured.

Jamie Shackleton also returns to the bench following a quad injury to take the place of Robbie Gotts.

Royals boss Mark Bowen has made two enforced changes to his side with Chris Gunter starting for the first time this season in replacing the suspended Andy Yiadom at right-back.

Yakou Méïté also replaces the injured Sam Baldock.

Reading: Rafael, Gunter, Miazga, Morrison, Moore (c), Richards, Rinomhota, Ejaria, Swift, Méïté, Pușcaș. Subs: Walker, McCleary, Loader, Boyé, Howe, Blackett, Pelé.

Leeds United: Casilla, Ayling, White, Cooper, Dallas, Phillips, Klich, Hernandez, Harrison, Roberts, Bamford. Subs: Meslier, Douglas, Berardi, Alioski, Costa, Shackleton, Clarke.

Referee: Darren Bond.

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