Patrick Bamford surprise update emerges at Elland Road as Leeds United arrive to face Burnley
Patrick Bamford and Max Wober appear to be missing from the Leeds United squad to face Burnley, Beren Cross reports.
According to the Leeds Live journalist via X on 14 September the English forward isn’t with the players at Elland Road for the Clarets’ visit despite returning to full training after a hamstring issue, and neither is the Austrian defender who was expected to face a late fitness decision [Leeds Live, 14 September].
The Bamford absence was echoed by the Yorkshire Evening Post’s Graham Smyth via X, who did spot youngster James Debayo getting of the team coach.
The teenage defender has yet to make his Whites debut but has been on the bench for the past three Championship fixtures.
Max Wober also missing for Leeds United vs Scott Parker’s men
Bamford’s fitness woes are well-documented so it will spark fears of a set back if he isn’t with the side for the return to league action after the international break.
Mateo Joseph’s emergence has been a boost for Farke but with Joel Piroe’s form inconsistent and Georginio Rutter not directly replaced it could be a struggle if Bamford is plagued by unavailability this term.
The lack of a number 10 signing is a source of irritation for the manager [Smyth, 2 September], even if Angus Kinnear claims the club tried hard to get him one [Square Ball, 12 September].
There were also reports that a new striker was on the cards before the transfer deadline [Daily Mail, 24 August] but one ultimately didn’t arrive, so whether any set back for Bamford might finally open the door to Joe Gelhardt remains to be seen when his career stagnation has made a permanent exit seem increasingly inevitable.
Farke has less to worry about in defence if Wober isn’t fully fit but either way it is never good news for injury issues to be developing this early in the campaign.
After a pair of 2-0 wins got the Whites back on track prior to the international break it is important Leeds United make up for lost time and recapture the momentum.
49ers investor Will Ferrell is expected at Elland Road for his first game since joining the ownership group [Cross, 14 September], so without Bamford and Wober another result is needed.
In other Leeds United news, an exit-linked Whites ace has made a major contract decision at Elland Road.
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