Leeds United news: Bielsa ‘privately fuming’ at ‘huge’ development in recent hours
Marcelo Bielsa will be “privately fuming” that Patrick Bamford is finally set to make his long-awaited Leeds United comeback.
That is according to ex-United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny, speaking exclusively to Football Insider about the striker’s return to full training.
Bamford, whose season has been blighted by hamstring and ankle injuries, has played just one match since breaking down last September.
The centre-forward, 28, has not played since 5 December due to a foot injury.
But he is finally closing in on a return, with BBC Radio Leeds journalist Adam Pope posting a video clip on Twitter on Thursday (3 March) of Bamford being “heavily involved” in training.
The irony of the striker’s availability for new manager Jesse Marsch will not be lost on his predecessor.
“Bielsa will wish Leeds all the best, I’m sure,” Kenny told Football Insider‘s Ben Wild. “That’s the type of bloke he is.
“But there’s no getting away from how much Leeds have missed Bamford and his goals. His return to training is huge.
“Privately, Bielsa will be fuming that he couldn’t call upon Bamford for six months and the new manager could have him for his first game.
“What kind of luck is that? Obviously, he will want Bamford to do well, but there will be a part of him thinking ‘what if’.“
Bamford has managed just 480 minutes in all competitions this season, but still returned two goals and three assists.
He banged in 17 league goals from 38 appearances last season as well as supplying eight assists.
In other news, pundit reveals “hidden” clause in Marsch contract that “Leeds United don’t want to advertise”.