Pundit Gabby Agbonlahor believes Leeds United are in ‘big trouble’, despite a positive injury update from Thorp Arch on striker Patrick Bamford, Football Insider report.
The Lowdown: Bamford back on the pitch
The Whites’ injury woes have continued under Jesse Marsch after he replaced Marcelo Bielsa at the end of February.
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Tyler Roberts, Crysencio Summerville, Adam Forshaw and Stuart Dallas are now all out for the rest of the season, while Bamford suffered a ruptured foot back in March.
After that horrific injury for the versatile and much-beloved Dallas, Marsch revealed an update that Bamford was set to return to the Thorp Arch pitches this week, with a return against Chelsea on Wednesday possibly on the cards.
The Latest: Agbonlahor’s comments
Agbonlahor, who regularly contributes for Sky Sports, was talking to FI about the Whites and specifically that update on Bamford.
He labelled the forward as ‘very injury prone’ and even suggested that Marsch could be risking the forward’s health for next season if he is rushed back for the run-in.
“Leeds are in big trouble.
“They probably didn’t see Burnley and Everton winning the number of games they have recently, especially Burnley. Leeds probably thought they would be fine.
“Leeds are playing Arsenal away, they are fighting for their lives to get in the Champions League so that’s going to be a tough game where you expect Arsenal to get three points.
“The way Burnley are getting results, the way Everton are fighting for their lives it means Leeds are in a real dog fight.
“Even if Bamford’s back, how fit is he going to be after not playing so much? He’s very injury prone as well so are you going to risk injuring him again and missing next season? No, I don’t see Bamford as the answer.
“Leeds are in big trouble and even Leeds fans will be thinking ‘We’ve got a tough set of games’.
“They might look at the Brentford game but those players are playing for new contracts and to be involved with the Premier League next season. That is not an easy game where Brentford are on the beach.
“There are some tough games left for Leeds.”
The Verdict: A gamble
Leeds may have been hoping that Bamford wouldn’t be needed in the remaining games of the season, however, it looks as if he will be required after all.
The Whites find themselves in serious danger of dropping back down to the Championship with four games remaining after wins for Burnley and Everton last time out, leaving them just two points clear of the Toffees, who have a game in hand.
Marsch’s side have also scored just once in their last three games, so it does look as if Bamford, who netted 17 times last season, will be needed, potentially against Chelsea, Brighton and Brentford.
In other news: Leeds officials sent abroad as Radz plots move for 56-goal attacker.