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Leeds United defender Luke Ayling behind Patrick Bamford in terms of recovery
Leeds United duo Luke Ayling and Patrick Bamford both featured for the Under-23s this Monday, but only one played the entire game.
Ayling, who appeared to return to training before Bamford, was withdrawn at half-time, while Bamford lasted the 90 minutes v Manchester City Under-23s.
Injury expert Ben Dinnery believes this means that Ayling is not quite as fit as Bamford and that the latter is closer to returning to the first team.
Via his personal Twitter account, he rehashed Marcelo Bielsa’s quotes and wrote, “Bielsa update on Patrick Bamford. ‘He played 90 minutes [for the U23s on Monday]. Perhaps for this weekend not, but definitely for the following one.’ Luke Ayling was withdrawn at half-time which suggests he is a little further behind.”
Need both back
Seeing the two back in action, albeit for the junior sides, is a relief as the senior team has missed them.
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Ayling has seen Jamie Shackleton and Stuart Dallas come in for him while Patrick Bamford has been replaced by Tyler Robers, Dan James. Joe Gelhardt and Rodrigo.
While some of the deputies have performed decently, they’re not quite up to the level of playing there week in and week out.
Leeds face a very real threat of relegation and it’s important that Ayling and Bamford return to the fold as soon as possible.
Bamford enjoyed a phenomenal season in 2020/21 and we’re hoping to see more of the same this time around as well.
Hopefully, the injuries don’t take away too much from the two as they’re an integral part of Bielsa’s system.
In other Leeds United news, the Whites want to sign an ‘Incredible’ midfield sensation after having tracked him closely