Mills issues verdict on Bamford starting for Leeds v West Ham after news in last 24 hours
Leeds United have a great opportunity to reintroduce Patrick Bamford to competitive action when they travel to West Ham in the FA Cup on Sunday (9 January).
That is the view of ex-Whites and England defender Danny Mills, speaking exclusively to Football Insider as Bamford’s absence continued against Burnley last weekend (2 January).
As quoted by Leeds Live ahead of the visit of the Clarets (31 December), Marcelo Bielsa revealed the striker was “healthy” but he did not make the bench for the game.
The Mirror’s David Anderson reported yesterday (6 January) should be included in the matchday squad for the trip to the London Stadium.
Bamford has only made one appearance since September – the 2-2 draw with Brentford when he scored a last-minute equaliser and injured himself in the process.
“There’s no need to worry,” Mills told Football Insider correspondent Connor Whitley.
“I’m sure they will be preparing him behind the scenes. The FA Cup is an opportunity to give him a bit of game time and see what happens.
“You can ease somebody into it with a little less pressure. That’s quite important.
“I expect him to play a little part of the game just to get some match fitness. For him, it will be great just to get back on the pitch.”
Despite his limited game time this season, Bamford still has two goals and two assists to his name in six Premier League appearances.
Only Raphinha with eight goals and an assist has more goal contributions than Bamford for Bielsa’s side in the top-flight this term.
In other news, Kieran Maguire has dropped a ‘£240m’ Leeds United reveal after Andrea Radrizzani’s claim.