---
title: "Leeds: Noel Whelan hails potential return of Dan James and Patrick Bamford"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/dan-james-bamford-injury-latest-leeds-liverpool/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Henry Jackson"
section: "Leeds United"
published: "2021-12-22T07:05:09Z"
modified: "2021-12-22T07:05:09Z"
---

# Leeds: Noel Whelan hails potential return of Dan James and Patrick Bamford

**Leeds United ambassador Noel Whelan believes that the potential return from injury of Dan James and Patrick Bamford can be ‘massive’ for the Whites.**

### The Lowdown: Leeds’ injury nightmare

Marcelo Bielsa’s men were beaten 4-1 at home to Arsenal on Saturday evening as their Premier League struggles this season continue.

While Leeds deserve some criticism for their performances, they are currently battling a huge [injury crisis](https://www.premierinjuries.com/injury-table.php), with key figures such as Kalvin Phillips sidelined.

However, there is [hope](https://www.leeds-live.co.uk/sport/leeds-united/marcelo-bielsa-press-conference-live-22507766) that James and Bamford could be available for the trip to Liverpool on Boxing Day, which would come as a big boost for Bielsa and co.

\[freshpress-quiz id=“375277″\]

### The Latest: Whelan positive about return of duo

Speaking to [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/whelan-thrilled-by-massive-leeds-update-as-two-injured-stars-in-contention-to-return-v-liverpool/), Whelan admitted that it would be huge to have the attacking duo fit for another tough league assignment away to a title-challenging Liverpool side at Anfield. He said:

> “Getting any of these more experienced players back is going to be a massive plus for the Leeds United fans and the players.
>
> “You need your best players against the best teams in the league. Liverpool and Man City are the two best sides in the league.
>
> “Their best assets are clinical passing and lethal finishing – so having your best players there to combat that is crucial. We saw what happened against Man City when we allowed them to play their game.
>
> “We can’t sit back for 90 minutes. Leeds must take the game to Liverpool. That’s how to get the best out of the likes of Raphinha, Bamford and James.”

[Latest Leeds United news!](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-29/)

### The Verdict: Would be huge for Whites

Leeds desperately need their injury problems to ease before they get embroiled in a genuine relegation fight, and the potential return of James and Bamford for Boxing Day could make a huge difference.

The Whites have looked lacking in attacking quality in recent weeks, [scoring just 18 goals](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/football/teams/leeds-united/table) in as many league games this season, but the potentially returning duo could inject some much-needed quality in the final third.

Granted, James has only [scored one goal and set up one](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/302313/Show/Daniel-James) for Leeds this season, but his [pace](https://www.manutd.com/en/news/detail/marcus-rashford-says-daniel-james-is-faster-than-him) is a constant threat, while Bamford’s record of [17 league goals](https://www.whoscored.com/Players/109670/History/Patrick-Bamford) last season speaks for itself. Whelan is right; their presence could be crucial at Anfield if they are fit enough to feature.

***In other news, Leeds have been given a potential January transfer boost. Read more [here](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-transfer-rumours/leeds-nandez-transfer-latest-last-match-cagliari/).***