Despite playing some stupendous football, injuries have halted Leeds United’s progress under Marcelo Bielsa. The iconic Argentine has transformed them into prime promotion contenders after years of anguish, but a sterner test is now waiting for the Whites following the injury blow of marksman Kemar Roofe.
Roofe, 26, sustained a knee ligament injury during their midweek win over Swansea City. Although the club has not given up on a return before the conclusion of the campaign, Leeds might have to lose the star striker eventually amid persistent interest from Newcastle United, as reported by the Chronicle.
The Magpies are in desperate need of an outright goalscorer who is versatile, covers a lot of ground, tracks back and plays his part in the build-up. Although Roofe used to operate from the flanks initially; a change in role under El Loco saw him hitting his peak in the second-tier of English football. Roofe found the net 14 times in 26 league outings including some late winners which allowed the Whites to maintain their supremacy despite limitations to their squad.
The supporters, meanwhile, must be fearing a departure if the interest from Newcastle is genuine. The Englishman might have played his last game for the West Yorkshire outfit unless he steps up his recovery and returns to action sooner than expected.
Bielsa, however, should be relying on Patrick Bamford despite the fact that the forward has also had an injury-riddled stint since completing a summer move from Middlesbrough. He was sidelined during Roofe’s previous injury spell and the gaffer was forced to line up youngster Tyler Roberts to spearhead the Whites attack.
Bamford is rated highly in the Championship even though he failed to find his feet in the top tier. But the striking sensation finally has the opportunity to shine for his new club and guide them to an emotional Premier League return leaving the tough times behind.
The ex-England youth international mostly prefers to operate as a targetman inside the box and does not offer enough mobility to link up with the fellow attackers. This might see him suffer initially to fit in Bielsa’s philosophy and gameplan, but his experience in the league should help him adjust accordingly at the Elland Road.
Leeds will be hosting struggling Bolton Wanderers this weekend, and Bamford must start hitting the target in the aftermath of a disappointing outing versus the Swans. Roofe’s injury is a significant blow in Leeds promotion dreams, but it’s time for his deputy to prove his worth now before losing his place yet again.
