Leeds sprung a surprise on all of us on Sunday when their matchday squad was announced and there was no sign of Patrick Bamford.
Prior to the game at St Andrew’s the striker had started every single league match for United this term, so it was clear that something was awry when he wasn’t in the side, and it turns out he was carrying an injury.
What’s the news?
It was quickly confirmed that Bamford had a dead leg, and it was thought that this issue wouldn’t keep him out of action for more than one game.
However, there has been some doubt cast about his fitness after Leeds’ 5-4 win against Birmingham as Phil Hay gave an update during his Q&A session on The Athletic.
“Bielsa hopeful that Bamford will be fit for West Brom but not yet certain.”
It’s never good to hear that your first-choice striker will miss out in one of the team’s most crucial games of the season, but will they really miss him?
Not too big of a miss
Funnily enough, in the one game Bamford hasn’t played this term, United found the net more often than in any other match this season, putting five past Birmingham City away from home.
Now, that isn’t to say that Bamford has been holding them back, but it does go to show that they don’t need their top scorer on the pitch to find the back of the net on a regular basis.
The former Middlesbrough man had contributed to six goals in his last nine matches but even with Eddie Nketiah not finding the net himself, it led to a more fluent and energetic performance in the final third.
At first glance, this update looks like an absolute nightmare, but if United can attack with the same fluency and cutting edge they did against the Blues, they should be fine without Bamford.
Meanwhile, Phil Hay has stated that Leeds may look to strengthen three positions in January.
