Leeds United supporters are ecstatic to see Patrick Bamford named among the substitutes against Aston Villa. Injury woes have plagued the 29-year-old for over a year, one of the main factors behind the Whites' poor form.
It was hoped those concerns would be put to bed this season but he is yet to complete an entire 90 minutes in 2022-23. However, Bamford is back on the bench for the must-not-lose clash at Villa Park.
The Whites are aiming to end a six-game winless run across all competitions. Just two victories in 16 outings reads ominous viewing for Leeds fans, with the club sitting just two points above the relegation zone.
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One player ruled out against Villa is Crysencio Summerville after hobbling off against Cardiff City last weekend. Ahead of the game, Marsch also provided a mixed update on some of the long-term casualties in the squad.
“Other than some of the long-term ones, the non-contact injuries have been pretty good,” he told reporters. "We have a lot of discussions about methods to get the team to perform at its highest physically. Obviously, the younger you (are), the better chance you have to limit muscle injuries. We're at the lower end of that.
“Then you have players who have been here a while and have chronic issues. Adam (Forshaw), Patrick (Bamford), even Coops (Liam Cooper). It's a balance.”
A much-needed win against Unai Emery’s side would give Leeds some breathing space between themselves and the bottom three. Last weekend, Stevenage stunned Villa Park by completing a late comeback victory - a feat United will be aiming to replicate.
As always, social media was rife with pre-match debate once the line-up was announced. While Bamford's return was welcomed, some Leeds supporters were unimpressed when the team news landed before kick-off.
@AlexanderToon94: My Sweet Prince returns
@shaun_mitchell8: Pleased Bamford's on the bench but I can't believe its not Rutter
@LUFCSpence_: Bamford revival incoming
@UGGno1: Amazing how Bamford shoots out of injury soon as we're buying a striker
@kavanagh25: Aaronson very lucky to be starting tonight, been useless lately.
@danny_parker44: People calling for gelhardt need to realise every time he has started he hasn’t made an impact
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