Joe Gelhardt may be given chance to save Leeds United career after ‘major’ Patrick Bamford update
Leeds United have been handed a brand new injury blow ahead of their crucial Championship showdown with QPR on Friday 26 April.
The Whites currently sit a point clear of Ipswich Town, who have a game in hand, and occupy the second autonomic promotion spot as they trail Enzo Maresca’s Leicester City by four points with two games to play.
While a win at Loftus Road would be a massive boost to Leeds’ chances of an immediate return to the Premier League, Daniel Farke may well have to make do without Patrick Bamford after he confirmed the striker was a “major doubt”.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference (25 April) he said: “All the players came through Monday. Few hits and knocks causing late decisions. The only major doubt is Bamford because he got a big bruise on his knee.”
Will Patrick Bamford play for Leeds United against QPR after Daniel Farke update?
While there is a chance Farke could be trying to throw off his opposition, it seems likely Bamford may be missing on Friday night which would leave the Leeds United boss without both his primary number nine and Dan James.
The most obvious candidates to step into the fold are probably Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe who have been waiting patiently on the bench, but this injury blow could open the door for Joe Gelhardt to make a return to first-team action.
Gelhardt has only started two Championship games this season and hasn’t made a substitute appearance since February but with Farke’s options now thin, the 21-year-old may be able to force his way back into contention.
Joseph’s impressive form in 2024 has seen him leapfrog the former Sunderland loanee in Farke’s pecking order in recent weeks, with journalists suggesting the forward is now expected to leave Elland Road this summer [Leeds Live, 17 April].
However, a good display either from the bench or as a surprise inclusion in the starting XI could see the young forward save his Leeds career and breathe new life into his spell at Elland Road.
On the other hand, it will speak volumes about where Gelhardt falls in Farke’s thinking if he continues to be left on the bench even with Bamford and James out. Either way, the forward’s future will become clearer on Friday night.
In other Leeds United news, Shareholder talks have already begun over a potential redevelopment at Elland Road
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