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Carlton Palmer says Leeds United will be 'disappointed' by Patrick Bamford
Carlton Palmer has claimed Leeds United will be disappointed with Patrick Bamford’s recent fitness record and called for them to be patient in bringing him back from injury.
The former Leeds man suggested that while the club will want to have him back as soon as possible due to what he can offer to the side, they will have to be careful with rushing him back and risking his injury.
Bamford, who has made just 37 appearances since the 2021/22 season, has faced continuous struggles with his fitness, with a hamstring injury picked up in pre-season his most recent issue, causing concern at Elland Road.
Speaking to Football League World on 3 October ahead of the Championship clash with Queens Park Rangers, Palmer stated: “It was great to see Patrick Bamford on the bench for Leeds United this weekend for the game against Southampton.
“Patrick has been sidelined for the past two months with a hamstring injury picked up in a pre-season match. Obviously, you would want Patrick back as soon as you can, but he [Daniel Farke] won’t want to risk him.
“It takes time to get up to match speed, so I can’t see him starting against QPR, they will ease him back gently.
“It has been disappointing for Leeds United that Patrick has only made 37 appearances since the season of 2021-22. He does score goals at this level, but it’s getting him out there on the pitch and keeping him out there.”
Concerns continue to grow, but he can play a part
Concerns around the fitness of Bamford have been raised since early in pre-season, with senior members of staff at the club having doubts on whether he could stay fit for an entire 46-game Championship campaign [Punch, 29 June], and it didn’t take long for them to be proved right.
The hamstring injury picked up in a pre-season fixture against Hearts had ruled him out until he made his return against Southampton, but he now faces heavy competition for his place in the team.
Bamford would be ideal for the role Joel Piroe is currently playing, as a striker who drops deeper to link play before arriving later in the box. The problem is that it would take a lot for him to dislodge the Dutchman from his place in the team.
There is certainly a part to play for Bamford at Elland Road, but his continued injury struggles have made his potential impact and chances of regular football that much smaller.
In other Leeds United news, calls have been made to drop one new signing from the starting XI.