Patrick Bamford could return for Leeds United against Southampton

Patrick Bamford and Connor Roberts updates emerge in Leeds United team news v Southampton

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Published on:

02 May 2024, 8:23 am

Daniel Farke has shared updates on the availability of Connor Roberts and Patrick Bamford ahead of Leeds United v Southampton on Saturday (4 May).

Both players missed the 4-0 defeat to QPR at Loftus Road on Friday 26 April, though Roberts has been sidelined for weeks while Bamford's injury is a new concern.

Following the disappointing defeat last time out, the Whites will be hoping to claim all three points against the Saints and pip Ipswich Town to the final automatic promotion spot.

Farke spoke in his pre-match press conference, quoted by Phil Hay on Thursday (2 May) as saying: "James isn't available. Roberts is also a major doubt, although he has done some training and could make the squad.

"Bamford is yet to resume full training - late decision on him."

Patrick Bamford remains a doubt for Leeds United v Southampton

Despite his injury woes in recent seasons, Bamford has been a key player for Farke, having netted eight Championship goals, helping to sustain their title charge throughout the campaign.

If the striker were to be unavailable, the manager has two very decent options in Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph, though the former has only scored once since mid-February.

While Roberts will also be a major miss if he is unavailable to face Southampton, Archie Gray has been a force at right-back and Sam Byram has also slotted in there.

Farke here for his pre-Southampton press conference.

Team news - James isn't available. Roberts also a major doubt, although has done some training and could make the squad. Bamford yet to resume full training. Late decision on him. #lufc
— Phil Hay (@PhilHay_) May 2, 2024

Of course, Leeds will be hoping to avoid the drama of dropping into the Championship play-offs, but recent results would suggest they may need to come to terms with the idea.

If that were the case, it would be vital that Bamford, Roberts and James are all ready and fit for some challenging play-off matches against the likes of Southampton, Norwich City, and one of West Brom or Hull City.

In other Leeds news, one Leicester star has taken a swipe at the Whites and Georginio Rutter after they sealed the Championship title.

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