Injury specialist Ben Dinnery believes that Leeds United star striker Patrick Bamford could be back for their next game, despite the player’s setback in last weekend’s match.
Unfortunately for Bamford and his club, the English striker has struggled with fitness over the last couple of seasons, and it looks to be much of the same story this season after the player picked up a groin-related issue in their most recent clash.
However, there could be some good news for the Whites, as Dinnery stated on the Premier FPL Injuries YouTube channel, that he believes Bamford could be ready to go this weekend after it emerged that bringing off the striker was just a precautionary issue rather than an actual injury.
Dinnery said: “We know for the last sort of season and a half he’s struggled massively with injuries. He was hoping to get back on track after that heavily disrupted period last year. Unfortunately, there was a little bit of a setback on Saturday – not totally unexpected, given what he’s experienced.
“And thankfully, it looks more of a precautionary measure. It was an adductor issue, a groin-related problem. Jesse Marsch asked the player himself; how do you feel? Didn’t feel 100%, but it wasn’t quite a pull or a tear. Again, more around discomfort or a little bit of tightness. So, Patrick Bamford could be one that is back with the squad ahead of this weekend.”
TIF Thoughts on Dinnery’s comments…
Marsch did claim earlier in the week that Bamford’s injury was not serious, but did not comment on his availability for the Chelsea clash.
Based on Dinnery’s comments, it seems the only question is whether Bamford can overcome the discomfort and tightness to feature from the off.
Leeds will need their star man if they are to upset the Blues at the weekend, and therefore, the fact he has not picked up another long-term issue and could feature will be music to the ears of the Yorkshire club’s fans.
While he only managed just two goals in nine appearances last season for the Whites, he was injured for a lot of the season, and the last time he managed a full campaign in 2020/21, he picked up a more than respectable 17 goals and eight assists in the Premier League.
There is no doubt Bamford is a talented player and can compete with the best goalscorers in the league with consistent play time and no injuries. But this has not been the case for the last season, and therefore, as Marsch has done, he needs to be careful with the striker or face another season without his best forward.
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