Patrick Bamford has a slim chance of making the substitutes' bench for Leeds United's clash with Crystal Palace tonight, according to Phil Hay.
The Lowdown: Bamford makes injury return
The 28-year-old hasn't featured for the Whites since the 1-1 draw at Newcastle United back in September, having picked up an ankle injury that night.
Bamford made a pleasing return to action on Monday night, however, playing all 90 minutes of Leeds under-23s' 3-2 defeat against Manchester City.
Marcelo Bielsa's side host Crystal Palace in the Premier League tonight, and while a place in the squad isn't necessarily expected for the striker, there is an outside possibility that it may still happen.
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The Latest: Hay hints at squad place for Bamford
That's according to Hay, who revealed in a Q&A for The Athletic that Bamford has a chance of featuring at Selhurst Park, although Sunday's home clash with Brentford looks more likely
When asked by a Leeds supporter about a possible return to first team action for the striker, the journalist replied: "It wouldn't be like Bielsa to launch him straight into the team tonight (it's possible he might be on the bench but unlikely I'd say). So Brentford might be his time."
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The Verdict: Huge news for Leeds
While it would still be a surprise if Bamford played any role for Leeds tonight, that Hay is even discussing the prospect of him making the bench is a huge boost in the grander scheme of things.
It suggests that the Leeds star is now close to a comeback as Bielsa's men attempt to pull clear of the relegation zone during a hectic run of December fixtures.
Goals have been hard to come by in Bamford's absence, with the Whites scoring just seven times in eight league matches without him after he struck 17 last season, highlighting how vital it will be to have him back.
In other news, Phil Hay has given his thoughts on a potential Leeds signing. Read more here.