Patrick Bamford’s absence due to injury hasn’t been especially noticeable thus far this season, since Leeds United have such a large depth in the front areas to provide plenty of cover.
The striker has yet to play a single minute for the Whites this season due to a hamstring injury sustained during pre-season, but the likes of Joel Piroe, Georginio Rutter, and Wilfried Gnonto have ensured Daniel Farke’s side has remained prolific going forward.
Farke did explain, as reported by Leeds Live (20 September), that the 30-year-old forward was already back in first-team training, but that he wouldn’t be rushed back too fast, with the upcoming match against Watford possibly coming too soon for him.
“When you are back in team training, you are theoretically available, but you must remember that he’s been out for eight weeks,” he added of the striker’s involvement. Yes, he’s back in team training and might be accessible if there’s an emergency case or something like this, or if we have a specific notion.”
Such an emergency may have already begun at Elland Road, as Gnonto was forced to leave the Whites’ 0-0 draw with Hull City on Wednesday (20 September) after rolling his ankle after being kicked in the foot.
Following the game, Farke told Leeds Live that the Whites would have to wait for an evaluation to see if the Italian winger would be eligible for the visit of Watford on Saturday (23 September), but if he was ruled out, Bamford might return.
Gnonto, a left-winger by trade, has played up front at times this season, most notably in the opening-day draw with Cardiff City. Piroe and Rutter have established themselves as Leeds’ favoured front two since then, but that may have to change.
Rutter might be forced into a wider role to cover for the 19-year-old, and with Farke preferring to play Piroe in the number 10 position behind the centre-forward, there could be a hole up top for Bamford to fill.
With Joe Gelhardt only managing two league stars this season, it appears that the Leeds manager is unlikely to call on the 21-year-old to lead his line, and so he may believe that this is the type of emergency that demands a quicker-than-expected return for Bamford.
It wouldn’t be surprising to see the former Middlesbrough striker, who scored 16 goals in his previous Championship season, return to the squad at Elland Road on Saturday, especially if Gnonto is ruled out for an extended period of time. Hopefully, he’ll be in good shape and ready to go.
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