Leeds United faithful would be reading the current team news in horror as both their major strikers Kemar Roofe and Patrick Bamford have been ruled out for the tough away tie against Millwall. Bamford’s injury is the more concerning one as he tore his posterior cruciate ligament and he would be at least out for four months. On the other hand, Kemar Roofe is likely to be out for a fortnight.
These two injuries would have certainly derailed Bielsa’s plan after the international break as he would have loved to consolidate on the good start his side made in the Championship. Now without the two, the strike force onus is going to fall on the young shoulders of Tyler Roberts. Apart from him, the Whites have 17-year-old Ryan Edmundson to consider. Therefore we feel the Whites can still look at some free strikers who are currently out of contract and they can provide cover during this injury crisis.
Jerry Mbakogu
The Nigerian striker has often been compared to Didier Drogba, and the Whites were linked with him for a considerable amount of time in the previous summer transfer window. However, no deal was finalised, and instead, Bielsa went on to sign Patrick Bamford for £7m. Mbakogu last played for Serie B outfit Carpi and is currently a free agent. We believe the Whites can consider him as their squad has been hit by lousy luck with injuries.
Like Roofe, Mbakogu is adept at playing down the flanks but is at his best when he starts up front. He can be the traditional target man, as well as make runs in between the defenders. Therefore, the 25-year-old would be a tricky customer to handle for the opposition defenders. His link-up play is also worth mentioning, and Bielsa should consider him.
Lacina Traore
The former Monaco striker can add another dimension to the Whites squad as he stands at 6ft7inches tall. The forward was never able to break into the French giant’s eleven regularly, but whenever he was presented with an opportunity, the striker performed well and managed a tally of 11 goals in 35 appearances. The 28-year-old has a good amount of experience of playing in various leagues across the world, and the Ivory Coast forward can be a real goal threat at Elland Road.
Victor Anichebe
Premier League regulars would remember this Nigerian striker who played for clubs like Everton and West Brownwich Albion. The Nigerian has the experience of over 200 games in the English top flight, and at one point, he was a regular for the Toffees. The 30-year-old last played for Chinese outfit Beijing Enterprise where he joined last summer, and the forward has been looking for a new beginning (and a club) this summer. Maybe the Whites can turn towards him to solve their attacking options by signing him on a short-term deal.
