Mark Smith

Thu 28 April 2022 18:10, UK

Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford has had his season ruined by recurring injury problems in all competitions.

After missing months of the season with an ankle problem, he returned and then pulled his hamstring in the 2-2 draw against Brentford.

Once he returned from that, he ruptured his foot plantar after two games and was then ruled out long-term once again.

Jesse Marsch has spoken to the media today [28 April] and admitted that the England international won’t play against Manchester City.

After initially targeting the final two games of the season, he has now suggested that Bamford could feature at Arsenal next week.

That would likely mean he was available for Chelsea, Brighton and Brentford in the final Premier League stretch.

Playing him at the Emirates Stadium would be a big error.

Marsch could even go as far as to ruin Bamford’s career if he brings him back way too early this time around as he did last time.

Risk.

We could see a scenario where Bamford is named on the bench but not used, just as Kalvin Phillips was at Wolves.

Having his presence in the squad would be a big boost to everyone around him and the travelling fans going down to London.

Should Bamford be brought back too early and then suffer his fourth major injury of the season, you don’t just get over those scenarios mentally.

Marsch cannot be too selfish with this and give the striker time to recover to 100%, not just 90% and pull up again.

This is a player’s career we’re talking about, and we can’t just let him ruin it for the sake of possible a 20-minute cameo.

In other Leeds United news,  Andrea Radrizzani has broken his silence on Twitter sharing when he will leave the club