Patrick Bamford: Leeds taking ‘massive gamble’ after ‘puzzling’ Bielsa reveal – pundit
Leeds United have taken a “massive gamble” after failing to add another striker in the January window, according to Paddy Kenny.
The former Whites shot-stopper, speaking exclusively to Football Insider, claimed Marcelo Bielsa’s side have “struggled for goals” in the injury absence of Patrick Bamford.
Speaking to the BBC after Leeds’ 3-3 draw against Aston Villa (9 February), Bielsa revealed Bamford is yet to begin his recovery and added that it is “impossible to imagine when that’s going to happen”.
The Whites have had to rely on Joe Gelhardt and Rodrigo as striking options – with wide men Dan James and Tyler Roberts also filling in as unconventional solutions.
Bielsa’s side sit 15th – just six points clear of relegation danger.
When asked why Leeds didn’t add another striker during the January window, Kenny told Football Insider‘s Ewan Kingsbury: “I haven’t got a clue.
“I would have thought that getting a striker would have been the key in January. They’ve really struggled for goals.
“Bamford has been out a while and there have been a few false dawns in his recovery now.
“Why they haven’t invested in that area, I’m really not sure – it’s puzzling.
“Obviously in the Premier League you need goals, and it’ll be interesting to see whether their lack of action in the transfer window pays off or not. It’s certainly a massive gamble.”
According to Football Insider medical expert Ben Dinnery (11 February), Bamford may be suffering from plantar fasciitis – a stubborn inflammation of the foot.
The Leeds United striker has played just six times this season, scoring twice.
Bamford last started for the Whites on 17 September.
In other news, pundit predicts £18m stumbling block in Kalvin Phillips’ contract renewal.