Patrick Bamford has been speaking to the Yorkshire Evening Post about his injury, and he’s got positive news for the Leeds supporters.
What’s the story?
Well, the 28-year-old has endured a disrupted campaign so far, although it sounds as if he’s close to making a comeback.
Bamford said: “I think it was almost a blessing in disguise that the two games over Christmas got postponed, but yeah, it’s coming along nicely. I should be doing drills tomorrow and then we’ll see how close we are.
“It’s touch and go for Burnley. I’m feeling good. I’ve hit every marker that’s been laid down so far day to day, so it’s been a good improvement. It’s not a few weeks away. It’s very close.”
Now, that should be music to the Elland Road faithful’s ears.
Admittedly, Joe Gelhardt has impressed in Bamford’s absence, although Marcelo Bielsa doesn’t have a player like the ex-Chelsea forward in his squad.
What Bamford brings to Leeds is unique, and has been sorely missed for the majority of the campaign.
The Grantham-born forward isn’t just a poacher. Bamford works tirelessly for Leeds, and his hold-up play helps to bring others into the game.
It was no surprise to see him provide eight assists along with his 17 goals in the Premier League last term.
It is telling that, despite making just six Premier League appearances this season, the England international has still registered two goals and two assists.
Leeds need more than Patrick Bamford
While Bamford’s return is undoubtedly huge, Bielsa’s problems will not be solved entirely by having his No.9 back.
The Whites are still without their talismanic Kalvin Phillips, while Robin Koch is also yet to settle in the Premier League again since returning to training at Thorp Arch.
Bielsa is also without Rodrigo, while Dan James and club captain Liam Cooper are missing too – it’s a real crisis in Yorkshire.
Hopefully, the treatment room at Thorp Arch will be empty in 2022, and Leeds can return to their dominant ways of last season.
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