Patrick Bamford explains how Lewis Baker helped him through injury at Leeds

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Leeds striker Bamford has taken an enormous step to recovering from his knee problem.

Patrick Bamford has told Leeds United’s official website that teammate Lewis Baker has been vital in helping him overcome his long-term knee injury – with the striker taking an enormous step towards recovery on Tuesday.

Bamford, 25, managed just two starts and 53 minutes of Championship football before suffering the injury. Turning out for Leeds’ Under-23 side, Bamford landed heavily on his knee, snapping his posterior cruciate ligament.

There were fears the ex-Middlesbrough and Chelsea striker would have to undergo surgery, and could be out for the rest of the season. But the injury, which is expected more in a car crash than football, could see Bamford return in January.

The striker spoke of recovering from the injury and gave Leeds a huge boost by stepping back onto the pitch at Thorp Arch for some light ball work. He also chatted about former Chelsea teammate Baker’s help throughout the injury.

“They’re a good bunch of lads,” Bamford said. “They’re always asking after me, checking up on me. Little things make a big difference for me. Lewis helps a lot, I’m really close to him.

“He will join in with some of my sessions. He’s just making sure that I am pushing myself, stopping me from getting slack. It’s little things like that will help me recover and get back quicker.”

Bamford came through the ranks at Chelsea with 23-year-old Baker, with the latter still contracted to the Stamford Bridge club. The Leeds loanee still has four years left on his £20,000-a-week deal (Spotrac), which ends in 2022.

In the video posted on Leeds’ website, Bamford is shown with the ball at his feet as he continues the rehabilitation process, which will come as a huge boost to Marcelo Bielsa and his injury-plagued squad.

Pontus Jansson pulled out of action for Sweden over the international break, though it is yet to be confirmed if he has an injury. Tom Pearce, Luke Ayling, Gaetano Berardi, Ryan Edmondson and Izzy Brown also remain sidelined.