Marcelo Bielsa has told Friday’s press conference – as per Leeds United’s YouTube channel – that the prediction of an early March return for Patrick Bamford, Liam Cooper and Kalvin Phillips now looks unlikely.
Leeds are in dire form, picking up just one point from their last four Premier League games – and conceding 10 times in against Manchester United and Liverpool. Injuries are largely to blame for their lack of form.
Cooper, Bamford and Phillips are all sidelined with hamstring problems and have been missing since early December. Many had pinned their hopes on the return of the trio in keeping Leeds above the relegation zone.
It was expected that Cooper, Bamford and Phillips might be available in early March. But Bielsa has now told his press conference that prediction is premature – but says Bamford will be back before the end of the season.
“There are no fixed dates. The prediction that they were going to be available early March, no longer seems the case,” Bielsa said. On Bamford: “He is not on the grass, but it is likely we will see him again this season.”
Bielsa on Bamford, Cooper, Phillips: Relegation looming for Leeds
Leeds have been woeful of late. Their critics since promotion from the Championship in 2020 have constantly stated they are too open – but a ninth-placed finish last season put that to bed, for a time at least.
This time around, Leeds have already conceded two more goals than the entirety of last season – with 13 league games still to play. The return of Cooper, Phillips and Bamford has been earmarked as crucial to survival.
But now, with all three expected to return later than the predicted date of early March, Leeds are staring down the barrel. They need a bit of magic from somewhere, but relegation is now a real possibility.
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