Patrick Bamford went off injured in the first half of Leeds United’s Premier League clash with Chelsea on Saturday afternoon, which was relayed by Phil Hay.
The striker landed uncomfortably after contesting an aerial duel with Antonio Rudiger and went down shortly afterwards.
He initially returned to the pitch and tried to carry on, but he could not shake off the injury and had to be withdrawn on 35 minutes.
Rodrigo, who is only just back himself from a groin injury that kept him out for the entirety of February, came on in Bamford’s place.
It was a bitterly disappointing turn of events for the English striker, who would have been desperate to find the net against the side who loaned him out to six different clubs.
Moreover, England manager Gareth Southgate was in attendance at Elland Road, and Bamford was unable to make an impression ahead of the upcoming international break – the last before the summer’s European Championships.
Leeds will now assess the extent of the problem and determine whether Bamford can be involved in their visit to Fulham on Friday night.
Rodrigo’s all-round game is strong, but Bamford has provided the firepower for the Whites this season.
Bamford ranks joint-fourth in the scoring charts with 13 goals to his name.
Leeds fans sweat on Bamford injury
“Love Bamford but we do need to see how the team functions with Rodrigo up front, so silver linings etc”
“I tweeted the other day, our squad hasn’t got a Bamford replacement. Very worrying for the season!!”
“See him next season, we don’t do little injuries do we?”
“We seem to have a habit of making players play on with an injury, then for them to be out for weeks afterwards.”
“So unlucky with injuries no sooner someone comes back then another one injury”
“Heartbreak”
“NO NOOOOOOOOO”
“Game over”
“With the games we have coming up, where we need to win, this is seriously bad news”