Patrick Bamford who moved from Middlesbrough to Leeds United in search of greener pastures suffered a knee injury when Leeds United’s U23 side took on Bristol City’s U23. The forward has found it tough to break into the first eleven given the resurgence of Kemar Roofe and as a result to keep him match fit, the manager asked him to play for the u-23 team. The Whites ran out 5-0 winners, but Bamford’s injury would be a cause of concern especially for the senior squad.
Bamford’s injury happened around the half-hour mark, and he was substituted later. By then he had managed to open the scoring for his side but his evening ended in a bad way. It is yet not clear how long he would be out for, but the West Yorkshire outfit’s attacking outlet looks short if the former Middlesbrough striker is away for a considerable amount of time.
This was always going to be a cause of concern for Bielsa and this could mean that he might have to rely on someone like Tyler Roberts as a backup option who doesn’t have much experience in leading the line for his side.
Bamford had previously won Championship player of the season with Middlesbrough and many expected the £7m man to start in the playing eleven from the offset. However, he has started only in a cup game and had to be content with late substitute appearances in the league. Nevertheless, in a long season, he would have had an excellent role to play as Roofe has been one of the most hardworking players on the pitch as he presses like a maniac up front.
Bielsa would hope that they can smartly meander across this tricky period. Roofe would be having a good two weeks rest behind him when the Whites take on Millwall next, so the manager is covered up front for the time being.
Bamford showed that even when he doesn’t start up front, he can affect games by coming from the bench as he provided a crucial assist against Swansea City which helped United keep their unbeaten run in the league intact when Hernandez popped in the equaliser.
Maybe an injury like this would push Bielsa to consider making a move for another forward in the January transfer period. Relying on just two solid options for the next 40 games could be risky, and if any of the forward suffers a long injury layoff, the pressure would then mount on the other striker. With Bielsa’s high-intensity game, rotating the forwards would be the right way to go. All the Whites faithful and well-wishers of the club would be keeping their fingers crossed as long as it is not clear about the extent of Bamford’s injury.
