Leeds United manager Jesse Marsch will have to ease Patrick Bamford back into the starting XI, according to Phil Hay.
The Leeds reporter was reacting to Marsch’s latest comments from his Wednesday press conference ahead of the game against Aston Villa on Thursday night.
Should Leeds ease Bamford back?
Yes
No
Marsch was discussing Bamford’s return and has stated the striker will not return to the starting XI just yet, though he could feature off the bench:
Marsch said: “He won’t start but he’ll be ready from the bench and we’re excited to have him back in the team and he’ll give us a real boost.”
However, Hay is cautious about the 28-year-old being let loose in the American’s plans too quickly after his struggles with returning from his initial injury issue earlier in the season.
Hay wrote for The Athletic: “Realistically, Marsch will not be able to let Bamford loose without restraint over the next few days, against Villa on Thursday and Norwich on Sunday.”
TIF Thoughts on Hay’s assessment…
We absolutely agree with Hay’s cautious approach to Bamford’s return as his previous return from injury back in December lasted just 22 minutes.
Having made his comeback from an ankle issue earlier in the season, Bamford suffered another injury less than half an hour into his first game back.
And given the position Leeds find themselves in the Premier League table, we do not think they can afford to see rush Bamford back and pick up another injury.
In other news: ‘He was exasperated’ – Graham Smyth reveals Marsch had ‘deep conversation’ with Leeds ace