Patrick Bamford injury update shared by Sky Sports ahead of Leeds United v Southampton
Tim Thornton has shared an update on “big player” Patrick Bamford’s availability ahead of Leeds United v Southampton in the Championship play-off final.
The 30-year-old striker has been sidelined with a knee injury sustained against Middlesbrough on 22 April, seeing him miss both legs of the play-off semi-final against Norwich City.
Many Leeds fans are hoping for Bamford’s return ahead of the clash against the Saints, with Joel Piroe and Georginio Rutter sharing the responsibility of the striker role at Elland Road.
Speaking via Sky Sports News on Monday (20 May, 4:16pm), Thornton said: “He’s a big player for Leeds United and they will do everything they can to get him on the field this Sunday. He’s missed the last few games and Leeds, at times, have struggled.
“It’s been a complicated injury. Initially, it looked to be a bit of bruising around the knee, but they’ve done more work around that. It has been a process to get him fit.
“The process is ongoing and they’re hoping to get him on the pitch on Sunday. For now, it’s a case of wait and see to how he responds [to the treatment].”
Could Patrick Bamford return for Leeds United v Southampton?
Bamford experienced a resurgence under Daniel Farke around the turn of the year, although his return of eight goals in 33 league games is hardly much to shout about.
Still, Piroe and Rutter have both struggled in front of goal in recent weeks, at least until the Whites’ 4-0 win over Norwich at Elland Road on Thursday 16 May when both got on the scoresheet to book United’s spot in the play-off final.
Despite this, the return of Bamford from injury could be key if Leeds are to secure promotion straight back to the Premier League after facing relegation last season.
Farke’s side still seems to be lacking a figure at the top of the pitch, who can hold the ball up and bring the likes of Rutter, Crysencio Summerville and Wilfried Gnonto into the game.
While the update does not sound very positive, there is every chance that the striker could be fit to face Southampton at Wembley on Sunday 26 May.
In other Leeds United news, Chris Sutton has been left baffled by a “ridiculous” new Bamford verdict live on air
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