Patrick Bamford unlikely to feature for Leeds United v Watford, Southampton return more likely – Phil Hay
Patrick Bamford is unlikely to play for Leeds against Watford on Saturday despite being back in training, according to Phil Hay.
Bamford has yet to feature this season after suffering an injury in pre-season, with Georginio Rutter and Joel Piroe cementing themselves as the first choice striker options under Daniel Farke.
With Wilfried Gnonto set for a lengthy spell out on the sidelines with an ankle injury, Farke may have been tempted to bring Bamford back into the fold against Watford but according to Hay, that is unlikely to happen.
“Doesn’t sound like Bamford will be involved tomorrow (v Watford),” he wrote.
“Farke expects him to get in the mix more next week, ahead of Southampton.”
Brink
It’s been a long time since Leeds fans haven’t had to worry about the fitness and status of Bamford defining their season.
Right now even without Gnonto and Bamford being available we are stacked in attack. Piroe and Rutter are in good form, while Crysencio Summerville, Daniel James, Jaidon Anthony, Joe Gelhardt and Ian Poveda provide alternatives where necessary.
It means the manager doesn’t have to rush his players back from injury because we have top quality options, and it means the chances of Bamford relapsing as he has done so many times in the past is greatly reduced.
There is no pressure for him to come in and hit the ground running immediately because the rest of the squad is up to standard, and hopefully that will help him with his fitness and also with his performances after a horror last two years.
Having him back against tough opposition like Southampton will be a boost, but for now all eyes must be on Watford and getting all three points at Elland Road first.
In other Leeds news, lengthy spell out expected as attacker ruled out vs Watford.