In addition to Patrick Bamford’s absence, another Leeds United player is now doubtful due to injury ahead of this weekend’s Championship playoff final, according per a report from BBC writer Adam Pope.
Bamford will not play in the playoffs
The Whites are getting ready for one of the most important games in world football history as they prepare to play Southampton, who were both demoted from the Premier League last season, for a spot back in the competition.
Both teams easily defeated West Brom and Norwich City in the semifinals, so this Sunday afternoon’s matchup at Wembley feels very close to be decided. In the second leg at Elland Road earlier this month, Leeds thoroughly defeated the Canaries, putting on a fantastic display and winning 4-0 that evening.
Ahead of the game, Leeds have received the blow that Bamford will play no part in proceedings because of injury, with the Englishman not featuring for his side since the 4-3 win away to Middlesbrough back in April. It is an undoubted setback for Daniel Farke, even though his striker can receive criticism for big misses at times, with his experience and quality something that could have been priceless in a single moment this weekend.
While Bamford’s absence is the most high-profile piece of news to emerge ahead of the weekend showdown in London, it looks as though another Whites hero is also a doubt for the game.
Leeds have another injury doubt before Southampton
Taking to X after Farke’s pre-match press conference, BBC reporter Pope confirmed that Sam Byram is a Leeds injury doubt for the Southampton game, potentially joining Bamford on the sidelines: “Bamford injured and will not feature. Hoping Byram is ok but it’ll be a late call.”
Not having Byram available for such an enormous game could be another big headache for Farke, even though the Whites fared well without him in the second leg against Norwich.
The 30-year-old last played in the first leg at Carrow Road, when Farke’s men battled their way to a drab goalless draw, and he has made 34 appearances in the Championship this season, 25 of which have been starts. The Leeds manager knows the importance of the experienced defender, too, saying of him earlier in the campaign:
“I’m pleased that he was there each and every second on the pitch because there was this one situation when we needed his experience, quality in this position, awareness level. He’s quite important for us.”
Should Byram miss out, or only be deemed fit enough to make the substitutes’ bench, Leeds will be expected to go with a back-line of Archie Gray, Joe Rodon, Ethan Ampadu and Junior Firpo, as was the case in the return fixture at home to Norwich
Because of his versatility, the Englishman has performed well at both left and right back this season. Should he be fit, he will be available to replace Gray or Firpo in the event of an injury, which hopefully won’t happen. In the event that the Whites lead, his experience might also be crucial in the closing stages of the match.
