By Sean Fisher

7th Dec, 2022 | 3:44pm

Injury expert reveals when Leeds United can expect to have Patrick Bamford back fit

Injury expert Ben Dinnery has claimed that Leeds United could have Patrick Bamford back before the start of 2023 following his groin surgery.

Bamford suffered yet another injury setback this month, causing Leeds to leave him in Yorkshire during the club’s trip to Spain.

The 29-year-old forward missed out on the training camp due to a groin injury that required surgery, and Dinnery has now told GiveMeSport how long Leeds United can expect to be without their star striker.

“It’s the latest in a long line of setbacks for Patrick Bamford,” said Dinnery.

“Ideally, sort of typically we have seen these minor surgical procedures where players are maybe back in maybe two to three weeks on occasions.

“I think ideally, if Leeds had Patrick Bamford back before the turn of the year, then I think that’s a result, that’s a good win for them.”

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Unreliable

It’s no fault of Bamford’s, but he’s proven time and time again that he’s not available enough to be relied upon as Leeds United’s star striker.

Rodrigo has thankfully stepped up this season and provided the goals for the Whites, but the squad is still crying out for a new striker to regularly lead the line for Jesse Marsch.

It’ll be a top priority for the club in January and it’s only been made more urgent by Bamford’s latest setback.

Even if Bamford manages to return to full fitness in time for 2023, it’s only a matter of time until he leaves Marsch short on strikers once again. Plus, Bamford’s form has been nightmarish this season, with the Leeds forward missing an abundance of clear-cut chances during his rare cameos.

Wilfried Gnonto was brought in over the summer to bolster the forward department, but the young Italian isn’t quite ready to replace Bamford as a regular starter.

The board need to back Marsch and provide him with a dangerman next month otherwise relegation could become a real threat.

In other Leeds United news, the 49ers takeover could fund a blockbuster £30m move for Charles De Ketelaere