Graham Smyth gives Patrick Bamford injury update from Leeds United training camp

Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford was given "more strenuous work" in training as he continues his comeback from injury, according to Graham Smyth.

The Yorkshire Evening Post journalist reported on 25 July that Bamford and Daniel James trained with fitness coach Ruben Crespo having both missed the Whites' 4-1 victory over Hannover 96 the day prior.

While an abductor strain kept James out of the match with Hannover as a precaution [Graham Smyth, 24 July], Bamford remains on a long road back from knee surgery, carried out after his season-ending injury.

Smyth's report stated that while Bamford's workload has been "carefully managed" since returning to full training [Yorkshire Evening Post, 8 July], the striker was put through his paces with repeated running drills throughout the session.

Leeds United cannot rely on Patrick Bamford next season

Bamford is undoubtedly a player who, when fit and firing, makes the Peacocks tick – his regular starting role in the team coincided with a club record-equalling run of victories last season.

However, those well-documented injury problems have hindered both his and the team's ability to rely on him in crucial moments, including the entirety of their unsuccessful play-off campaign.

While Joel Piroe was signed for big money to fill the void up front in Bamford's regular absence, he didn't provide the same link-up play and movement on which Bamford and the team thrived.

That leaves Daniel Farke with a question leading into the new season on whether to stick or twist – what he has almost fired the Whites over the line, but surely an extra option would guarantee promotion.

Mateo Joseph, given a new squad number to reflect his growing seniority, could prove to be the man, with movement to rival Bamford and looking as accurate in front of goal as Piroe when given the chance.

The ample goals provided by James, Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto helped to ease the number nine burden last season, but Farke still must decide quickly who his first-choice up front will be.

In other Leeds news, the Whites have confirmed three new changes to their boardroom structure with Companies House.

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