Pundit Tam McManus has been giving his thoughts on an injury update to Leeds United forward Patrick Bamford.
The Lowdown: Recent surgery
The 29-year-old has missed 31 games since the beginning of the 2021/22 campaign due to ankle, hamstring and foot problems.
Bamford has made just four Premier League starts this season and missed the final two fixtures before the break for the World Cup.
Reports earlier this month confirmed that the forward missed out on the club’s training camp in Spain due to requiring surgery on a groin problem, a procedure that appears to have gone well.
The Latest: McManus’ comments
Talking to Football Insider regarding Bamford, McManus admitted he is ‘worried’ about the forward and shared concerns over his Elland Road future.
“I look at Bamford and I’m worried, he is always injured now.
“You talk about players always being injured but this guy is literally always injured. He proved his doubters wrong when he first came up with Leeds but he has barely kicked a ball since.
“This is the second season where he has barely kicked a ball. At some point, someone has to say enough is enough.
“Bamford has done so much for Leeds but at some point, you have to look at the facts and if Leeds had a fully fit striker in that position then they would be scoring more goals.
“You have to cut your losses at some point and make a hard decision but if Bamford isn’t going to play then he shouldn’t be there.”
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The Verdict: New forward needed
A new striker is on the agenda in January, according to Phil Hay, a decision that seems sensible considering Bamford’s struggle for form and fitness over the last 18 months.
He hasn’t netted a competitive goal in 2022, with the likes of Rodrigo and Crysencio Summerville coming into some much-needed form in front of goal in recent months.
Therefore, bringing in a new forward in the New Year could be the difference between Leeds being involved in another relegation battle or sitting comfortably in mid-table, with a decision also needed on Bamford's long-term future.