Leeds, Whites, Premier League, Patrick Bamford
Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford should be back in action against Aston Villa on Thursday.Â
The lowdown
The 28-year-old hasn’t played for the Whites since the 2-2 draw with Brentford on 5 December. In fact, he has only made six Premier League appearances (totalling 459 minutes) this season owing to ankle and hamstring injuries.
He was back on the bench for Jesse Marsch’s first game in charge on Saturday afternoon against Leicester City, but the American decided against bringing him on even with his team 1-0 down.
The Villa game at Elland Road looks crucial for Leeds, who are hovering only two points above the relegation zone and have played a game more than 18th-placed Burnley.
The latest
The Athletic’s Leeds correspondent Phil Hay relayed an update from Marsch’s post-match press conference on Twitter.
As per the journalist’s update, the manager apparently ‘expects Bamford to be involved against Villa on Thursday’.
The verdict
This is an almighty boost for Marsch and Leeds.
Bamford demonstrated his value to the team last season, top-scoring for the Whites with 17 goals and also contributing eight assists.
In his absence, you could argue that Leeds are short of match-winners. Indeed, even though he has played so little football, only three players in the squad – Raphinha, Jack Harrison and Dan James – have racked up more goal involvements in 2021/22 (via BBC Sport).
Therefore, it’s little wonder that the 28-year-old has been labelled a ‘massive’ player by former Elland Road goalkeeper Paul Robinson; and with Kalvin Phillips potentially returning next weekend, the fitness outlook may now be getting brighter for Leeds – and in good time, too.
In other news, read this injury expert’s claim on Liam Cooper
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