Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford has provided a key update on his injury progress, admitting that his return has been slow but the end is now in sight.
The Lowdown: Bamford missing; Leeds keep it quiet
The 28-year-old was a strong contender for the Whites' Player of the Year last season, scoring 17 goals in the Premier League and leading the line superbly.
Bamford's campaign has been affected by an ankle injury this time around, however, with the England international not featuring since the middle of September.
He has been a big miss, with Marcelo Bielsa's side languishing in 17th place in the table without him.
Paul Robinson bemoaned the latest news on his recovery earlier this week, lamenting the fact that Leeds have 'kept that quiet' (MOT Leeds News) after injury expert Ben Dinnery revealed it is likely to be a late November return.
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The Latest: Striker provides update
Bamford has given some much-needed clarity on his injury to MOTDx [via the Yorkshire Evening Post], with a nine-word verdict not exactly full of positives...
"Taking a little bit longer than I first thought."
That being said, the Englishman did also add that "now I am seeing improvements", so hopefully he will be back not too long after the international break.
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The Verdict: Season-changing return?
Bamford's influence on this Leeds team is enormous, so much so that he has the potential to turn his team's season around.
Not only are the Whites missing his potency in front of goal, netting just 10 times in as many league games, but his hold-up play brings others into the game and he works tirelessly for the cause, even averaging 1.6 clearances per game in the league this season before his injury.
That sort of work ethic is a necessity in Bielsa's system, with Dan James recently criticised for failing to adapt to that intensity.
Bamford's return should see his teammates improve as well - he has created nearly a chance per game for club and country combined this season - with Bielsa's attack having a completely different feel to it at the moment and the likes of James and Jack Harrison struggling for form.
In other news, a pundit has urged Leeds to drop one player ahead of the Leicester game. Read more here.