Whelan thrilled by ‘massive’ Leeds injury latest as Bamford footage emerges
Noel Whelan has insisted Robin Koch and Patrick Bamford are set to give Leeds United a “massive” boost after returning to the training pitch.
Speaking exclusively to Football Insider, the former Leeds striker and club ambassador insisted the pair were stepping up their recovery at the ideal time ahead of the busy December period.
In footage posted on Leeds’ official Twitter account on Tuesday, Bamford and Koch were back out on the Thorp Arch pitch taking part in a small training drill.
Marcelo Bielsa confirmed on Thursday (25th November) the pair are in their “final period of recovery”.
With a relentless fixture list around the corner, Whelan admitted the duo’s return would be a big boost.
Reacting to the footage, Whelan told Football Insider’s Russell Edge: “This is what it’s all about.
“It’s a team sport while you’re playing but also when you’re out through injury. You’re pushing each other along and supporting one another.
“I’m sure that support network at the ground, with the players, with the staff, is all there for everybody.
“There are a lot of times where you are out through injury and it is the unknown. You’re not sure the extent of it, how bad it’s going to be.
“But this one obviously seemed to be quite a bad one for Patrick Bamford. Longer than everyone expected. You’ve got to be careful with these sort of things. Those injuries that don’t look as bad sometimes tend to be the worst.
“Slowly but surely we’re getting that full squad back again. Robin Koch’s in training.
“Competition for places is massive, especially coming up to Christmas where there’s a run of games coming up, very important games as well.
“We’re going to need a full squad to choose from and to go out there and try fight for points.”
Saturday’s clash against Brighton will be the eight league game Bamford sits out.
Meanwhile, Koch has not played since the opening day of the season.
In other news, Leeds United told to pay “premium” to sign new Bamford ally.