Leeds United employee issues Patrick Bamford claim after early team news
Noel Whelan has claimed Leeds United should not risk Patrick Bamford against Brentford if he is “not 100% fit” as their Premier League status hangs by a thread.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed it could be more beneficial for Jesse Marsch to plan around the players he knows will be available for the do-or-die clash.
According to Leeds Live (16 May), Bamford remains “touch and go” for Sunday’s (22 May) game – but his lack of match sharpness could rule him out.
Bamford has been sidelined since mid-March after rupturing his plantar fascia during the 3-2 win against Wolves.
The England international has scored two goals in 11 appearances during what has been an injury-hit 2021/22 campaign.
Whelan suggested Bamford should only return if he feels he is able to do so after his fitness struggles this term.
“He could be a brilliant weapon to have, but we’ve got to plan with the players we know are available,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“If we know which players are fit and ready, we can plan and work on the training ground as a group throughout this whole week ahead of what is a huge game.
“I wouldn’t want to risk him if he’s not 100%. If he’s not fully fit, I don’t think it would be sensible to waste that space on the bench.
“It would be nice if he can return but only if Patrick feels he is ready to return without any barriers.
“If not, it’s up to the rest of the lads to bear that responsibility and try and get a result.”
Leeds United are outside the relegation zone by just a point.
Bamford played every league game last term, scoring 17 goals.
In other news, pundit claims Marsch could force Leeds United U-turn after what he’s heard at Elland Road.