Leeds have badly missed last season’s top scorer Patrick Bamford as they have struggled during their second campaign back in the Premier League.
Bamford’s injury problems began when he hurt his ankle in mid-September and he has managed just four appearances since then. The England forward suffered his latest injury setback on March 18 when he ruptured a ligament on the bottom of his foot. He was told he needed at least six weeks’ rest and he has been slowly moving towards the end of his recovery period. Boss Jesse Marsch says his rehabilitation is going well and that he will step up his training on the grass at Thorp Arch this week.
Marsch remains confident that Bamford will figure before Leeds’ last game at Brentford on May 22. Sunday’s clash with Arsenal at the Emirates may come too soon, but he could figure in Leeds’ home match against Chelsea on May 11. Speaking before Saturday's defeat to Manchester City, Marsch said: “Patrick has been making progress and we are still hopeful we can see him later in the season.
“I suspect and probably expect that he will be on the pitch next week. Let’s see and we have to be cautious, but we are all optimistic about Patrick at this point.”
Bamford will be delighted to play again and he has endured an injury hell. He first broke down on September 17 when he hurt his ankle against Newcastle at St James’ Park. He returned against Brentford on December 5, only to damage his hamstring scoring his late equaliser.
Bamford, 28, broke down twice during his rehabilitation, partly because former boss Marcelo Bielsa pushed him too hard during his comeback to make him prove his fitness. He finally returned against Norwich this month, only to rupture his plantar fascia after 23 minutes of his next appearance at Wolves in Leeds’ dramatic 3-2 comeback win.
Bamford has managed just 10 appearances in contrast to last season when he was an ever-present for Leeds and top scored with 17 Premier League goals. He has scored just twice this season and his absence has been a major reason behind Leeds’ inability to climb away from the drop zone.
Leeds, who have lost Stuart Dallas, Adam Forshaw, Tyler Roberts and Crysencio Summerville for the season, have been unable to replace him up top and Daniel James has been asked to operate as a makeshift centre-forward. James is happier on the wing and has failed to score in any of his last 12 appearances.
Marsch is still content with his contribution and says the Wales international presses well to peg opponents back. Marsch also has young strikers Joe Gelhardt and Sam Greenwood and says he is constantly analysing what is the best option for each match.
“It’s about looking at every game and what does it require,” said the American. “I’ve spoken to Dan multiple times and I know this is not his desired position or best position. I’m still trying to figure out how to use Dan in more wide positions and do we put Joffy up there more, do we put Sam Greenwood up there more? So just every day in training, evaluate where we’re at and think about tactically what do we need to fight the best for points.”
