Patrick Bamford: Leeds employee issues ‘huge’ verdict after injury update
Noel Whelan has suggested Patrick Bamford’s season may be over after the Leeds United man suffered another injury setback.
The former Whites striker, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed the Yorkshire club has to prioritise the 28-year-old’s “long-term health”.
Leeds United revealed via club media yesterday (27 March) that Bamford will be sidelined for a minimum of six weeks after rupturing his plantar fascia.
The Whites’ Head of Medicine and Performance Rob Price revealed the England international had been struggling with the foot issue for “12 months”.
Bamford has also been ruled out with hamstring and quadriceps injuries this term – limiting his action to just 670 minutes.
Whelan insisted Leeds United must take the time to get the striker “properly fit” despite an ongoing relegation battle.
“It’s so important that we get him right,” he told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury.
“We’ve been without him for a large part of this season, and it’s been a huge loss – but we’ve got to think about his long-term health.
“I don’t know if we’re pushing him too hard or bringing him back too early, but obviously his body hasn’t reacted in a positive way.
“I think right now we need to get him properly fit. If we get him back at any point this season it’ll be a massive bonus, but it’s unlikely.
“We’ve got to work with the players we have available and 100% fit right now.”
Bamford netted 17 Premier League goals last term, but has managed just two league strikes this term.
Leeds United sit 16th in the top flight, just seven points clear of the drop zone.
In other news, pundit suggests the Whites are set to re-open contract talks as major midfielder development reported.