Pundit wowed by ‘huge’ Leeds United early team news v Aston Villa after Jesse Marsch reveal
We’re delighted to welcome former England goalkeeper Paul Robinson as our exclusive columnist as each week he’ll be giving his views on the biggest talking points at Leeds United...
Paul Robinson is delighted to see Patrick Bamford back available for Leeds United after the striker made Jesse Marsch’s matchday squad at Leicester.
Bamford, 28, didn’t come off the bench but the England striker has played just once since 17 September due to three different injury issues.
Speaking on Wednesday (9 March), Marsch confirmed that Bamford will return from injury as a substitute when the Whites welcome Aston Villa to Elland Road on Thursday [Daily Mail].
Robinson wants Bamford to be eased back into the side by Marsch due to how long he’s been missing for the Whites.
However, the pundit remains thrilled to see the striker fit and able to play again.
“It’s a game-changer to have Bamford back because they haven’t had anyone who can play that role all season,” Robinson told MOT Leeds News.
“They’ve had Dan James, Raphinha, Jack Harrison and Rodrigo playing there, they’ve had a rotation of a false nine and there’s been nobody who’s an out and out striker.
“Bamford’s been hugely missed this season. The worst two players that Leeds could have had injured are Kalvin Phillips and Bamford, they’ve had that most of the season.
“It’s a huge boost to have Bamford back but they have to be careful with him.
“They can’t afford for him to break down at this stage of the season so whether he plays a full game, whether he plays an hour or whether he comes off the bench again, they’ll have to monitor him very carefully.”
Bamford has scored two goals and supplied two assists in six Premier League appearances this season.
He netted 17 goals and assisted eight goals in 38 league appearances for the Yorkshire club last term as they finished ninth.
In other Leeds United news, this senior player is in a precarious position at Elland Road after what happened at the weekend.