Patrick Bamford: Pundit shares ‘out for the season’ verdict after confirmed Leeds United news
Patrick Bamford needs to complete a full pre-season of training before returning to the Leeds United starting XI.
That’s according to former West Ham hitman Frank McAvennie, speaking exclusively to Football Insider as the striker nears a return.
Bamford, 28, made a Premier League matchday squad for the first time since 5 December when Leeds faced Leicester on Saturday (5 March).
As per Phil Hay, Jesse Marsch admitted after the game that Bamford was only fit enough to play 10 minutes of football despite him making the bench.
He has only made six Premier League appearances this season due to an ankle injury.
McAvennie insists Bamford is still some distance from a return as he needs to do a full pre-season training programme to regain match fitness.
“He’s weeks away from being able to start,” McAvennie told Football Insider correspondent Ben Wild.
“Even if the injury has healed he needs to find his match fitness and that can take a while.
“He’s barely played this season so you are looking at a full pre-season regime.
“He will need to do that and hope his injury doesn’t flare up again.
“Maybe he can play some youth games because the last thing you want is to rush him back.
“That’s when the injury gets worse and then he’s out for the season.
“Leeds need his goals so they can’t afford to get this wrong.”
Bamford bagged 17 Premier League goals last season.
Leeds are next in action against Aston Villa on Thursday (10 March).
In other news, Danny Mills issues “devastated” verdict after confirmed Leeds United news.