Former Leeds United goalkeeper Paul Robinson has bemoaned Patrick Bamford's injury absence for the Whites, following a worrying update on his progress.
The Lowdown: Bamford out for significant period
Bamford enjoyed a brilliant 2020/21 season, scoring 17 times in the Premier League and helping his side seal an impressive ninth-place finish.
Unfortunately, injury has robbed Leeds of one of their most important players, with the 28-year-old not playing since the 1-1 draw away to Newcastle United in mid-September.
According to expert Ben Dinnery, the striker won't be back until the end of November, as he continues to battle an ankle issue.
[freshpress-quiz id=“375277"]
The Latest: Pundit rues 'huge' absence
Reacting to the update, Robinson bemoaned the 'huge miss' to MOT Leeds News , given the influence Bamford has on Marcelo Bielsa's team:
"They’ve kept that quiet. We’ve not really heard much about Bamford’s injury and how long he’s going to be out. Until recently, we didn’t know he was going to be out for such a long time.
"He’s a massive player because nobody else can play as an out-and-out number nine. Rodrigo has done well and he’s got a lot better in that position. I think his best performance was away at Norwich. He capped it with a goal but I think his all-around performance in that position was a lot better.
"They haven’t got anybody else. Even [Joe] Gelhardt when he plays, he’s not a number nine, he’s a different kind of player. I love the way he plays, he’s very exciting and there’s a lot more to him.
"But the system Bielsa plays and the way they set up, it demands a player like Bamford. And they haven’t got that when he’s not there, he’s a huge miss for them.
"Two players Leeds almost can’t play without are Kalvin Phillips and Patrick Bamford."
[web_stories_embed url="https://www.footballtransfertavern.com/web-stories/latest-leeds-united-news-23/" title="Latest Leeds United news!" poster="" width="360" height="600" align="none"]
The Verdict: Key to Leeds' struggles
Bamford's absence has clearly played a big part in Leeds' woes so far this season, with just two league wins coming their way in 10 attempts.
Not only are his goals a big miss, but he also chipped in with seven league assists last term and his hold-up play helps bring teammates into the game.
Without Bamford around, Leeds' entire system feels like it has collapsed, as Robinson alludes to, and it is vital that he returns to the side sooner rather than later.
In other news, Phil Hay has been discussing one player's future at Leeds. Read more here.