Leeds employee issues ‘100%’ verdict on Patrick Bamford return after confirmed news
Patrick Bamford should not return to the Leeds United side unless “100%” fit despite Burnley’s upturn in form.
That is the view of former Whites striker Noel Whelan, who was speaking exclusively to Football Insider in the wake of an update on the 28-year-old’s road to recovery.
As quoted by Leeds Live (22 April), manager Jesse Marsch revealed Bamford could return for the final two games of the season and credited the medical staff’s work at the club’s Thorp Arch base.
The striker has also been pictured doing gym work on club media within the last week.
Bamford has been plagued with injury this term and has managed just 670 minutes of action during the 2021/22 campaign.
Whelan urged Leeds United to be “mindful” of his struggles despite the potential relegation threat.
“You’ve got to be very sensitive and sensible with Patrick,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“Patrick’s fitness is the most important thing. You don’t want to bring a player back into the side who isn’t 100% fit… especially after the season he has had.
“It’s just not worth it. We need to get him ready for next season.
“If he can prove his fitness and come back 100% ready, then that’s an added bonus. We need goals, and he’s definitely someone who could provide that.
“But you’ve got to be really mindful now. His health has to be the primary concern.”
Leeds United moved five points clear of the drop with a 0-0 draw away at Crystal Palace last night (25 April).
The Whites’ remaining games are against Arsenal, Man City, Chelsea, Brighton and Brentford.
In other news, Football Insider reveals Leeds United’s Bundesliga transfer mission as release clause unveiled.