Leeds United early team news v Leicester City: Patrick Bamford update emerges ahead of clash
Leeds United versus Leicester City is expected to come too soon for Patrick Bamford and Sam Byram to return from their respective injuries, according to Joe Donnohue.
Bamford, 30, has been out of action for the last two games after suffering a calf injury in the warm-up at Swansea while Bryam, 30, was also ruled out of the wins over the Swans and Plymouth.
Ahead of Daniel Farke’s pre-match press conference on Wednesday (21 February), Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Donnohue has suggested that Bamford and Bryam might have to make do with spots on the bench at Elland Road on Friday when Championship leaders Leicester are in town (23 February).
“Farke hoped to welcome Patrick Bamford (calf) and Sam Byram (hamstring) back within a 10-12 day time-frame before the win over Plymouth last weekend, which suggests this Friday’s game may come a bit too soon for them both,” said Donnohue on the Yorkshire Evening Post website.
“Although, the manager did say neither issue was too severe, holding out slight hope for a possible return to the matchday squad.”
Leeds United v Leicester City – will Patrick Bamford start?
It seems as though Bamford could be in the squad on Friday night. However, we doubt he’ll be starting against top-of-the-table Leicester.
Even if Farke did get the green light to start Bamford from head of medical Rob Price, he should probably ignore it to avoid risking a new injury to the striker.
Bamford has been through injury hell in the last couple of years.
It’s played an unfortunate role in Leeds’ return to the Championship, him losing his spot in the England squad and even making him a bench-warmer in the second tier.
However, Bamford had cemented his spot in Farke’s starting line-up before this latest injury setback by scoring four goals in six games since the start of the calendar year.
It would be great to see him come off the bench if needs be but otherwise, he should probably sit this game out to give him some extra time to fully heal.
In other Leeds United news, bids are expected to arrive for this Leeds youth product in the summer.
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