Sky Sports pundit blown away by ‘massive’ Leeds United updates on Patrick Bamford and Luke Ayling
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 thrilled with the fact that Patrick Bamford and Luke Ayling are on the verge of returning to action for the Leeds United first-team.
On Monday night, both players – who’ve been out injured since mid-September – played for the Leeds Under-23s in their 3-2 defeat to Manchester City in Premier League 2.
Speaking on Monday ahead of Leeds’ clash with Crystal Palace, which takes place at Elland Road tonight (Tuesday), Marcelo Bielsa confirmed the superb updates on Bamford and Ayling’s fitness.
And ex-Leeds goalkeeper Robinson says they’re both returning at a vital time with the Whites set for a testing set of fixtures over the festive period.
Speaking about Bamford, Robinson told MOT Leeds News: “It’s massive news – Luke Ayling as well. He’s as important as Patrick Bamford is.
“The injuries to key players are starting to get better now at a time when they really do need them.
“After playing for the Under-23s on Monday, they’ve got all week to be fit and ready to play against Brentford at the weekend.
“This is a massive week for Leeds and they’ve got a massive game at home against Crystal Palace tonight before a huge home game against Brentford on Sunday.
“Last time I spoke to you, I think I said they need to take seven points from this week. They’ve got the one from where I thought they were going to get it (against Brighton on Saturday) so the next six have got to come in these next two games at home.
“Leeds’ fixture list over Christmas isn’t pretty so if they don’t pick up results now, it’s going to be a really long, hard December with the teams they’ve got to play.”
Bamford played all 90 minutes for the Under-23s on Monday while Ayling was substituted off at half-time.
It’s unlikely they’ll be ready to play or even get on the bench for the clash against Palace tonight but all signs are suggesting both could start for the Whites when they welcome Brentford to Elland Road on Sunday.
In other Leeds United news, Phil Hay has dropped a Marcelo Bielsa exit verdict amid recent speculation.