Upset Garry Monk frustrated at severity of ban on Leeds United defender Liam Cooper

Liam Cooper was charged for stamping on Reading's Reece Oxford

Cooper will miss all but one of United's regular remaining league games after being handed the six-match ban by the FA who found the defender guilty of stamping on Reece Oxford in Saturday's 2-0 loss at Reading.

Monk has already insisted the stamp was unintentional but Cooper's ban started with Tuesday night's clash at Brentford and the defender will not be free to return for Leeds until the final fixture of the regular season - at Wigan Athletic on Sunday, May 7.

But while admitting that he felt the severity of the defender's punishment was unjust, Monk insists the defender will continue to play an important part for Leeds in training, and when the 25-year-old finally returns.

Reading's players confront the referee over the incident

As well as being eligible to feature on the final day at Wigan, Cooper could still have a key role to play in the Championship play-offs should fifth-placed Leeds keep their place in the division's top six.

Speaking ahead of Saturday's home clash with Preston North End, Monk said of Cooper's ban: "I think it's incredibly harsh to be honest - the length of the ban.

"But it's a situation that we have to face.

"There's nothing we can do about it, we have to accept it and get on with it.

Garry Monk was left frustrated by the severity of the punishment

"I'm disappointed for Liam but he's an important player and he will have an important role to play even with this suspension.

"He's an important member of the group and we will make sure he is ready for when he is available again.

"It's frustrating and you don't want to lose any player. Liam is a leader among the group and he is still going to play that role.

"We just feel disappointed for him.

"But it's a situation that we have to get on with and we have faced situations throughout the season with injuries and suspension.

"You have to get on with it and it's the same again."