Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford is set to have minor surgery on a groin issue which has hampered him of late, according to The Athletic journalist Phil Hay.

The Lowdown: Bamford's injuries continue

The 29-year-old thrived upon the Whites' Premier League return in the 2020/21 season, scoring 17 goals in the top flight and winning a place in Gareth Southgate's England squad.

Since then, however, Bamford has had a torrid time of things, with injuries continually holding him back, and he has only started four league games so far this season.

A fresh update suggests that another spell on the sidelines is coming the Englishman's way.

The Latest: Bamford to have surgery

Taking to Twitter in sharing a corresponding report for The Athletic, Hay confirmed that Bamford would undergo surgery in Munich on his current groin problem.

The reporter tweeted:

"Patrick Bamford misses Leeds United’s training camp in Spain to undergo minor groin surgery."

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The Verdict: Big long-term worry

Bamford has been such a vital player for Leeds, even being hailed as "exceptional" by Liverpool manager Jurgen Klopp, such was his brilliance in leading the line.

However, there may now be genuine question marks over his long-term future at Elland Road, due to both his inability to stay fit for a prolonged period and a feeling that his very best days could already be behind him.

It is vital that Leeds look to bring in a new striker in the January transfer window in order to add squad depth, but if Bamford's woes persist until the summer, it could be time to look beyond the 29-year-old, no matter how brilliant he has been for the club.