Kemar Roofe has not played for Leeds United in more than a month due to a knee injury.
When Kemar Roofe was pictured wearing a knee brace in the days after Leeds’ win over Swansea City last month, many Whites fans would have been forgiven for fearing the worst regarding the club’s promotion hopes.
Roofe has been outstanding for much of the campaign. Whatever happens to Marcelo Bielsa’s side, his winning goals in the comeback wins against Aston Villa and Blackburn Rovers around Christmas time will be remembered for an incredibly long time.
And with Patrick Bamford only just returning from a lengthy spell on the sidelines, Roofe’s injury was the kind of setback that seemed to have the potential to derail the Whites’ promotion push.
And yet remarkably, Roofe now seems to find himself in a position where regaining his place when he does return from injury is not going to be easy by any means, and he may have to endure a frustrating spell closer to the periphery of the squad.
Bamford missed a couple of chances in the 3-0 win at Reading on Tuesday, but he demonstrated his clinical touch with three goals in the previous two victories. He also produced a delicious dummy for the opening goal at the Madejski Stadium.
And somehow, Roofe seems to face an even tougher task trying to regain the number 10 spot he played in against Swansea as Tyler Roberts has been frighteningly good in recent weeks.
Roofe’s return will still be a huge boost for Leeds when he does come back. But perhaps Bielsa is now in a position where his top goalscorer will be more like the ace up the Whites’ sleeve rather than the saviour of their season.
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