Sheffield Wednesday have been dealt a significant defensive blow ahead of two key fixtures against London clubs, with experienced centre-back Liam Cooper sustaining an injury on New Year's Day.
Injury Strikes During Defeat at Deepdale
The 34-year-old defender was forced to limp off after just 40 minutes of his side's 3-0 Championship defeat to Preston North End at Deepdale on Thursday. Cooper was replaced by Sean Fusire, and post-match assessments confirmed the worst for the struggling Owls.
Manager Henrik Pedersen delivered a gloomy update, revealing the issue is with Cooper's groin. "His groin is not good," Pedersen told The Star. "He's a good example, he has played really, really well for us. He means a lot for us, he's a good leader, he's a good defender."
Pedersen also suggested the player may have been overused since his arrival at the club in November, stating Cooper had "played more than he should play in relation to his fitness." The defender is now set for a scan to determine the full extent of the problem.
Major Absence for Crucial London Double-Header
Cooper's absence comes at a critical time for Sheffield Wednesday, who sit rock bottom of the Championship with just one win this season. They face a league trip to Loftus Road to play QPR on Sunday, followed by an FA Cup third-round tie at home to Premier League side Brentford on Saturday, January 10.
The loss of Cooper's experience is a particular setback. The former Scotland international has made 66 top-flight appearances, knowledge that would have been invaluable against top-tier opposition in the cup. Since joining the Owls, he had made an immediate impact, even scoring his first goal for the club in a 3-1 defeat to Ipswich Town in December.
Boost for Struggling QPR and Brentford's Cup Hopes
The news will be welcomed by both London sides. QPR will be looking to bounce back from their own New Year's Day disappointment, a 2-1 home defeat to Norwich City sealed by a 97th-minute winner from Jovon Makama.
For Brentford, the FA Cup trip to Hillsborough represents their first visit to the ground since October 2020. The Bees won a Carabao Cup meeting between the sides on penalties last season, and facing a Wednesday side shorn of a key organiser will further aid their chances of progression.
Pedersen had previously been effusive in his praise for Cooper, calling him "fantastic" and highlighting his leadership and tactical understanding after his full debut in November. His absence now leaves a considerable void as Wednesday fight for survival and seek a cup upset.
