Leeds have been hit by another injury to one of their important players at a crucial stage in the season.
Leeds United have been dealt a “massive problem” as it was revealed that their “technically gifted” striker will miss the forthcoming game against current Championship leaders Leicester City due to yet another injury.
Leeds is chasing promotion.
Leeds, who were relegated from the Premier League last season, are hoping to return to the top flight right away, but they are being pushed all the way by one of the most talented chasing packs in second-tier history.
Daniel Farke’s side has only lost six games all season and has the best joint-best defensive record in the competition, but they are still fighting hard to secure an automatic promotion spot come May, and they now face a Leicester City side that has swept all before them this season.
Leeds, currently in second place, are more prone to glance down than up. They are nine points behind Friday’s opponents with 13 games remaining in the season, but they are equal with Ipswich (3rd) and only two points ahead of Southampton (4th) in what is shaping up to be a closely contested finish.
A win over Leicester would give them some breathing room, but a loss would see them fall out of the automatic promotion spots over the weekend, leaving them with the prospect of the play-off lottery, with one of the four top sides in England’s second tier guaranteed to still be in it come the start of next season.
Bamford will miss the match against Leicester.
The Elland Road club’s preparation for the top-of-the-table meeting with the Foxes has been interrupted by injury, and star player Patrick Bamford is poised to miss the home game against the league leaders.
Bamford was previously regarded as one of English football’s brightest prospects, but his recent career has been derailed by injuries. The 30-year-old has made only six Championship starts this season, the first coming on New Year’s Day.
In the games since, he has found form, scoring four goals and providing an assist to help Leeds continue their winning streak, prompting speculation that Bamford is one of several Leeds stars in line for a new contract.
Former Rangers and Tottenham defender Alan Hutton has spoken out, with the BBC commentator encouraging Bamford to come back stronger despite yet another setback but lamenting his apparent injury-prone propensity.
“It’s been a massive problem for him,” Hutton told Football Insider.
“Injuries have been a major worry for Bamford throughout the years, which is not ideal for him given his form. However, he has no control over the situation. He has no idea when he will be hurt, which is a big shame for him. We all know he is capable of being an exceptional football player, and he has recently been.”
“He’s technically skilled, and I believe he’ll come back strong. But as soon as he hits form, he appears to be injured.”
It is not all bad news for Bamford, as the injury does not appear to be serious this time, with Leeds manager Farke claiming that the striker will ‘absolutely’ be fit for the FA Cup fifth-round match against Chelsea in a week.
