OPINION
Leeds fans must have been fearing the worst when striker Patrick Bamford hobbled off in the 1-0 win against Bristol City on Saturday.
Bamford injured himself when he scored in the ninth minute, his momentum taking him onto the post. He carried on playing but eventually came off after 57 minutes, and talking afterwards he admitted he had been scared it was a recurrence of his ligament damage in his left knee that caused him to miss a huge chunk of the season.
However, talking in the Sun ahead of Tuesday’s clash with Reading, Bamford revealed that it was just an impact injury – an update that will thrill all Leeds fans.
“I didn’t even see the post, my eyes were on the ball,” Bamford said. “It was on my bad knee as well, that’s why I ended up hobbling off, but the main thing is it’s not the same injury. I was panicking in case it was, but it was just a bang. An impact thing.”
Leeds are relying heavily on Bamford at the moment, with top scorer Kemar Roofe out with ligament damage until at least April.
Losing Bamford as well would have left them desperately short up front, with Tyler Roberts – with just three goals this season – the man Marcelo Bielsa would probably have had to turn to.
Leeds face Reading on Tuesday and then their biggest match of the season, against automatic promotion rivals Sheffield United on Saturday.
Bamford should be fit to play against Reading but it sounds like he will definitely be able for Sheffield United, barring some unexpected news. And that will be music to the ears of Leeds fans as they stand on the brink of a return to the Premier League. A win against Sheffield United would be a huge step towards the Premier League.
