Leeds United early team news v Norwich as Daniel Farke shares Patrick Bamford update
Leeds United will be without Patrick Bamford for both legs of their playoff semi-final clash with Norwich, Daniel Farke has confirmed.
The Whites striker missed the final two games of the season against QPR and Southampton with a bruised knee, but Farke was hopeful he would return.
However the boss has revealed during his pre-match press conference (10 May) that the former England international won’t be available for either leg of the tie after undergoing a fresh assessment.
“Patrick [Bamford] will definitely miss both legs,” he said, as shared by Beren Cross via X. “He’s seen a different knee consultant. New diagnosis: mini trauma in his patella tendon.”
Leeds United dealt huge injury blow v Norwich for playoffs
Bamford has been in and out of the team at different points this season, but it’s been clear in recent months that when fully fit he is the first-choice number nine for Farke.
So it’s a huge blow that he won’t be available for either game, and that would make his participation at Wembley difficult too if the Whites were able to make it there.
It does however provide a huge opportunity for Joel Piroe or Mateo Joseph to really make a name for themselves by taking this opportunity to make that place their own.
The team have been struggling in recent weeks, losing four of their last six games, and need something fresh to spark them into life.
Piroe got a goal against Southampton and should be confident heading into the game against Norwich, and it would be the perfect time to pay back some of his £10m+ transfer fee.
In other Leeds news, Ian Holloway has slammed “strange” Farke comments live on talkSPORT.
For more Leeds news, follow us on Facebook or join our brand new WhatsApp Channel for instant updates to be sent straight to your phone.