Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford is fit to face Middlesbrough, although he is not “in his prime” after a long layoff, according to manager Daniel Farke.
The Whites manager stated in his pre-match news conference [13 August] that he had a completely healthy team to pick from for his side’s EFL Cup first-round match, but noted that Bamford had missed 11 weeks of pre-season training.
Bamford’s knee injury, sustained near the conclusion of last season, forced him to miss United’s play-off drive and necessitated extensive rehabilitation ahead of the new season.
According to LeedsLive (13 August), Farke stated that “[the squad is] fully fit.” Several players, including Patrick, missed 11 weeks of team training this summer.
“You can’t say he’s in his peak since he underwent long-term knee rehab and needs time to find his rhythm. The longer he trains with us, the more he edges. These guys can be ready in 45 or 60 minutes.
“My trust and belief is in Patrick; one of our problems in the latter stages of last season was losing his experience and quality.”
Patrick Bamford’s Leeds United career could be in the balance.
Bamford’s well-documented injury difficulties are nothing new at Elland Road; he has only had two seasons without several long-term layoffs.
As a result, they were his two most successful seasons in the white shirt, with one in which he scored 17 Premier League goals, and he has been seeking to match those heights ever since.
Injuries, however, have consistently impeded these objectives, and despite increased strenuous training following yet another lengthy layoff [Graham Smyth, 25 July], Bamford has fallen to third choice in United’s striker lineup.
Mateo Joseph led the line against Portsmouth after an outstanding pre-season campaign, while Joel Piroe came off the bench despite appearing to be an unsuitable fit for Farke’s style.
Joseph and Piroe, like Bamford’s attempts to regain health, are aiming to provide the same link-up play that gives Leeds an advantage whenever Bamford begins – and he’ll be looking to make a difference if he gets on the pitch against Middlesbrough.
