Former Leeds United defender Danny Mills believes that Patrick Bamford may not return from injury until December.

The Lowdown: Bamford missing for two months already

Marcelo Bielsa's side may have shown glimpses of form in recent weeks but there is still no denying that, on the whole, they have been disappointing so far this season.

Leeds sit 15th in the Premier League table after 11 matches and they have had to make do without Bamford since the middle of September. An ankle injury has kept the 28-year-old sidelined for the last six league games and his return doesn't yet appear to be in sight.

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The Latest: Mills makes worrying claim

Speaking to Football Insider, Mills bemoaned Bamford's absence and claimed that he may not return to the fold until some time next month. The former Leeds right-back said:

"You start to wonder, do they know the root of the problem?

"What is the issue? What is the reason for him breaking down?

"We know how intense the way Bielsa plays. We know the fitness level that he will insist his players are at to come back into the team.

"When you’ve been out for that long, it is going to take him a little while even when he’s started training, to get back up to speed and get back up to what Bielsa wants.

"If the injury keeps going wrong, if you come back too soon, even if it’s just a few days you may just tweak it. That delays it by another week.

"Sometimes the longer it goes on, the more you try to force it. Injuries are a very delicate balance and he could be out until December now."

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The Verdict: Desperately need him back

Bamford has been a massive loss for Leeds, with the England international leading the line superbly last season, scoring 17 goals and registering seven assists in the league.

Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has hailed the striker as 'exceptional' and his all-round game brings out the best in those around him in terms of his work rate, hold-up play and ability to drop deep, allowing space in behind for the wide players.

The hope is that Bamford's return comes sooner rather than later, but for the time being, Leeds' other attackers will need to keep stepping up.

In other news, Leeds have been linked with a move for a player in superb form this season. Find out who it is here.