---
title: "Leeds: Alex McLeish reacts to Patrick Bamford claim"
canonical: "https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-mcleish-bamford-injury/"
type: "post"
language: "en-GB"
author: "Charlie Smith"
section: "Leeds United"
published: "2021-11-11T14:15:22Z"
modified: "2021-11-11T14:15:22Z"
---

# Leeds: Alex McLeish reacts to Patrick Bamford claim

**Alex McLeish has been reacting to an injury claim regarding Leeds forward Patrick Bamford, as per [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/leeds-hit-by-devastating-blow-as-injury-expert-shares-bamford-update/).**

### The Lowdown: Leeds without Bamford…

The Whites have had their injury issues this season, with Bamford missing the last [eight](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/patrick-bamford/leistungsdaten/spieler/183334) games with an ankle problem.

Marcelo Bielsa’s side have struggled in front of goal without the 28-year-old, netting more than once in just [one](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/patrick-bamford/leistungsdaten/spieler/183334) of those games in a 2-1 win over Norwich.

Winger Raphinha has scored [three](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/raphinha/leistungsdaten/spieler/411295) of Leeds’ six goals with Bamford out, whereas Rodrigo has netted [twice](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/rodrigo/leistungsdaten/spieler/131505). It seems as if Leeds may have to rely on the pair for the foreseeable future, with Bamford still sidelined, possibly for a long period of time.

\[freshpress-poll id=”379319″\]

### The Latest: Five more weeks; McLeish reacts

Injury expert Ben Dinnery told [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/leeds-united-star-bamford-out-for-another-five-weeks-injury-expert/) on Tuesday how he feels Bamford could be unavailable for another five weeks until he is fully fit.

McLeish, who features on [BBC Radio 5 Live](https://icdb.tv/stats/1454/Alex-McLeish), was asked by [Football Insider](https://www.footballinsider247.com/leeds-hit-by-devastating-blow-as-injury-expert-shares-bamford-update/) for his thoughts on the claim, describing it as ‘devastating’. He said:

> “This is something we discussed last year, we knew this would happen.
>
> “We mentioned Bamford could be burned out by playing so much football. He played almost every game. In my experience, you get a feeling about these things.
>
> “Bamford has been playing every game season in, season out, and now he can’t get that fitness back.
>
> “It’s not a surprise, his body needs a rest. Leeds need to find a formula that can allow Bamford to play. “Losing him for another five weeks is a devastating blow.”

### The Verdict: Not ideal…

Bielsa likes to run with a fairly [small](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/leeds-united/kader/verein/399) squad, and the prolonged loss of Bamford has been taking its toll on the Whites.

The lack of goals has been a cause for concern, so having the 28-year-old back after netting [17](https://www.transfermarkt.co.uk/patrick-bamford/leistungsdaten/spieler/183334/plus/0?saison=2020) times in the Premier League last season would seem to be vital as the Whites look to move clear of the relegation places.

Leeds had the edge on Leicester on [expected goals](https://understat.com/team/Leeds/2021) prior to the international break, but they only came away from Elland Road with a point, with Jack Harrison missing a glorious opportunity that day.

The quicker Bamford is back the better, but it seems as if that may not be for a while.

***In other news: [Leeds and Orta now want to add ‘strong’ midfielder to Bielsa’s squad; has same agency as Forshaw](https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/leeds-united-news/leeds-whites-keen-on-ross-barkley/)***