Huge Patrick Bamford injury update for Leeds United v Southampton in playoff final
The return of Patrick Bamford would be a “big boost” ahead of the Championship play-off final v Southampton but Leeds United can cope without him, Paul Robinson has said.
The 30-year-old is facing a race against time to be fit for the Wembley Stadium clash on Sunday 26 May, having sustained a knee injury during the Whites’ 4-3 win over Middlesbrough.
The injury has seen the striker miss both Championship play-off semi-final legs against Norwich City, with Georginio Rutter and Joel Piroe being utilised by Daniel Farke in his absence.
“He’s struggled a bit, missing the last couple of games with a knee injury. He would be a big miss. Piroe and Rutter have carried the mantle, not necessarily both well at the same time,” Robinson said exclusively to MOT Leeds News.
“They’ve both played well in fits and starts. Piroe was excellent at the start, though his form has dipped, but you look at the way they played against Norwich without Bamford…
“He would be a big miss but a big boost if he is there, Patrick Bamford. It’s a huge game and I have no doubt that they have enough quality, enough good players in the starting XI, to do a job at the weekend. They proved that against Norwich.
“The big thing for me is getting the confidence back after a really disappointing end to the season – the 4-0 defeat to QPR, defeat at home to Southampton on the final day, all ending the season with a little bit of a whimper.
“Away to Norwich, they got a decent result. It may not have been the best watch but then they got the 4-0 win at home, which is a huge confidence boost to go into the final. Bamford would be a huge miss but it’s not something they haven’t coped with for a big part of the season.”
Will Patrick Bamford feature in Leeds United v Southampton?
Daniel Farke will certainly be hoping to have a full squad as Leeds travel to Wembley Stadium to face the Saints in the play-off final, needing to rely on as much experience as possible.
Bamford has secured promotion with the Whites on one occasion before, albeit automatically after a successful Championship campaign, but his wisdom will be appreciated all the same.
In other Leeds news, the club want to sign this international centre-back in a brand new transfer.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.