OPINION
Leeds United are going to be short of options up front now that it has been confirmed that Patrick Bamford is going to miss four months of action with a serious knee injury.
The Whites announced via their official website on Tuesday that the 25-year-old suffered a PCL injury while playing for the Under-23s on Friday night and is not expected to return to full fitness until after Christmas.
Bamford’s crushing blow leaves Marcelo Bielsa with an issue up front because due to his energetic style of play, he is bound to need to rotate Kemar Roofe and Tyler Roberts around to get the best out of his team
That is why Leeds must re-sign free agent Robbie Keane as soon as possible, even if it is just a short-term deal up until Bamford is fit.
Keane, 38, is without a club and while he is not the striker he once was when he was instilling fear in Premier League defences, he has continued to prove a machine in front of goal.
In his last spell at ATK in India, he scored six goals in nine games. Before that the former Republic of Ireland international was tearing up the MLS with 83 goals in 125 total outings.
Leeds do not have to sign someone who is going to be first team quality as a short-term replacement but just imagine the impact that someone of Keane’s reputation could have on the dressing room.
The ex-Spurs man could also have an impact in front of goal if he has the chance to play, but really, the Irish hitman should remain as a back-up option just incase something goes seriously wrong.
Keane impressed during his spell at Elland Road between 2001 and 2002 before he was eventually sold amid the club’s financial crisis.
He would surely want to return and finish off what he started. All it might take is one phone call.