Patrick Bamford, Leeds, Whites, Premier League
Leeds United will definitely be without three key players for their home game with West Ham United on Saturday, including Patrick Bamford.
The Lowdown: Injuries galore
United look for their first league win of the season this weekend when they host David Moyes’ West Ham, and they go into the game with a whole list of first team players out.
Pascal Struijk is suspended and missed last Friday’s 1-1 draw at Newcastle United, whilst Jack Harrison also missed the clash due to a positive Covid-19 test.
Ahead of the weekend’s game, Bielsa has confirmed a further three players who are now out and will miss the game with the Hammers.
The Latest: At least three out
Journalist Adam Pope has confirmed from the manager’s press conference that Bamford ‘will be missing‘ Saturday’s game with West Ham, along with Robin Koch and Diego Llorente.
Last season’s top goalscorer has only managed to score once this season, but has started in every top flight game so far for Bielsa’s side.
Harrison, Raphinha and Luke Ayling are all question marks ahead of the Hammers’ visit to Yorkshire.
Will Bamford hit double digits again this season?
Yes, 100%!
Not sure!
The Verdict: Brutal blow
Bielsa’s style of play requires certain players and not having these available for a tough test against West Ham will be a worrying prospect for Bielsa and the Leeds fans.
The exclusion of Bamford, who bagged 25 goal involvements in last year’s league campaign, will be a massive miss for Leeds and the injury list will be scary viewing for those associated with the club.
Labelled ‘exceptional and rare‘ by Liverpool boss Jurgen Klopp in April, Bamford’s importance for Leeds is clear for everyone to see, with the 28-year-old scoring 44 goals in 116 appearances in total since moving from Middlesbrough.
With Rodrigo struggling for goals since his arrival from Valencia – he has managed seven goals in all competitions – Leeds may need to rely on goals from the midfield in Saturday’s contest.
In other news, this BBC pundit is stunned by this certain Leeds player’s performance. Find out more here.
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