Leeds United’s injury frustrations will continue into their upcoming game at the weekend in the Premier League, with Patrick Bamford missing yet again.
On Friday, Phil Hay relayed Marcelo Bielsa’s comments from his pre-game press conference, where he revealed the English striker has not returned from his injury issue just yet.
Would you move on from Bamford in the summer?
Yes
No
It has been a torrid season so far for the Leeds striker, who has only been able to make six appearances in the Premier League as a result of his various injuries.
The 28-year-old had initially suffered from an ankle injury which saw him return after months on the sidelines – only to injure his hamstring after 22 minutes (via Transfermarkt).
With Leeds remaining just afloat of the relegation zone, what could the effects of Bamford’s relentlessly injury-riddled season mean for the West Yorkshire club?
Daniel James a long-term option?
Daniel James has had a difficult start to life at Elland Road, having only been able to find the back of the net four times in his 20 Premier League appearances.
Due to Leeds’ injury issues, the Welshman has played in a variety of roles under Bielsa, including as a winger on both sides, second-striker and as the only striker up top (via Transfermarkt).
With Bamford still sidelined, could James’ rich vein of form see the Welshman put together a claim for potentially becoming a regular as a striker under Bielsa?
Having struggled for goals all season, on Wednesday night, the 24-year-old was able to double his tally f0r the season against Aston Villa with a brace away from home.
The former Manchester United ace has been trusted by Bielsa despite his slow start to the season, and it seems to be paying dividends, with three goals now in his last four league games.
Unlike Bamford, James is blessed with blistering pace, so even if Bielsa does not see James replacing Bamford, he could become a strike partner alongside the Englishman.
Summer spending up top?
Bamford’s injuries will have come as a frustration to Bielsa given the length the two individual issues have kept the 28-year-old out for.
And could this season’s issues for Bamford cast a doubt over his long-term future in the team?
Last season, Bamford led the way in front of goal for Leeds after netting 17 goals in the Premier League alone – nine more than anyone else.
However, if these injuries are feared to be a sign of things to come for the future, we think the Whites could look at the summer window as an opportunity to replace Bamford.
According to reports in Italy (via Sport Witness), the Whites have already set their sights on potentially making a move for Cagliari ace Giovanni Simeone in the summer window.
So we do wonder as to whether a fresh start could be on the horizon for the West Yorkshire club after the conclusion of the 2021/22 campaign as a result of Bamford’s issues this season.
In other news: ‘It gets even better’ – Joe Wainman left buzzing as Leeds update emerges