Phil Hay has claimed that Leeds United ace Patrick Bamford is finally back in training at Thorp Arch.

The Lowdown: Marsch with decisions to make

Given that Leeds are winless in their last four games across all competitions Jesse Marsch could use this weekend's FA Cup clash as a way to hand key players a rest or keep them in the side to build up rhythm and sharpness.

Leeds don't play in the Premier League again until Friday night so there is plenty of time for players to rest and recover if they do indeed play against Cardiff City.

However, the name many will be looking out for will be injury-prone Bamford who's not kicked a ball for Leeds since October.

The Latest: Bamford not in line to start

Hay has admitted while speaking on The Phil Hay Show that despite Bamford being back in training, this weekend's clash is likely going to come too soon for him to feature.

He said: (26:15) "I was told that he's back training this week, whether or not that means he has a chance for Cardiff, I would assume they wouldn't risk him in that particular, so you'd be looking to Villa the following week. It's just a never ending conversation this one."

The Verdict: Leeds must cut their ties with Bamford

It has been a disastrous 18 months for Bamford who's only been able to start 11 league games since the beginning of the 2021/22 season and that has resulted in him finding the back of the net just twice.

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However, it's not just his injury record that should see Leeds move on from Bamford as when he's fit he's clearly not up to Premier League standards having missed nine big chances this season, despite starting just three games which is very alarming.

Marsch should have no qualms over letting Bamford go as he's been next to no use to him during his tenure and Rodrigo has seemingly taken over the role as the club's main goal threat very well with 10 strikes in 15 league starts.