Alex McLeish has been reacting to an injury claim regarding Leeds forward Patrick Bamford, as per Football Insider.
The Lowdown: Leeds without Bamford…
The Whites have had their injury issues this season, with Bamford missing the last eight games with an ankle problem.
Marcelo Bielsa’s side have struggled in front of goal without the 28-year-old, netting more than once in just one of those games in a 2-1 win over Norwich.
Winger Raphinha has scored three of Leeds’ six goals with Bamford out, whereas Rodrigo has netted twice. It seems as if Leeds may have to rely on the pair for the foreseeable future, with Bamford still sidelined, possibly for a long period of time.
The Latest: Five more weeks; McLeish reacts
Injury expert Ben Dinnery told Football Insider on Tuesday how he feels Bamford could be unavailable for another five weeks until he is fully fit.
McLeish, who features on BBC Radio 5 Live, was asked by Football Insider for his thoughts on the claim, describing it as ‘devastating’. He said:
“This is something we discussed last year, we knew this would happen.
“We mentioned Bamford could be burned out by playing so much football. He played almost every game. In my experience, you get a feeling about these things.
“Bamford has been playing every game season in, season out, and now he can’t get that fitness back.
“It’s not a surprise, his body needs a rest. Leeds need to find a formula that can allow Bamford to play. “Losing him for another five weeks is a devastating blow.”
The Verdict: Not ideal…
Bielsa likes to run with a fairly small squad, and the prolonged loss of Bamford has been taking its toll on the Whites.
The lack of goals has been a cause for concern, so having the 28-year-old back after netting 17 times in the Premier League last season would seem to be vital as the Whites look to move clear of the relegation places.
Leeds had the edge on Leicester on expected goals prior to the international break, but they only came away from Elland Road with a point, with Jack Harrison missing a glorious opportunity that day.
The quicker Bamford is back the better, but it seems as if that may not be for a while.
In other news: Leeds and Orta now want to add ‘strong’ midfielder to Bielsa’s squad; has same agency as Forshaw