Daniel Farke cannot rely on Patrick Bamford to remain fit as the Leeds United striker continues to miss key fixtures, Paul Robinson has said.
The injury-stricken forward returned to the Leeds bench for the 2-0 win over Cardiff City on Saturday 21 September but was unused as Daniel Farke’s side claimed all three points in the Welsh capital.
Bamford was expected to return to the squad to face Burnley in the previous match [Leeds Live], though he was a surprise absentee as the teams arrived at Elland Road, causing many to worry further about his fitness.
Speaking exclusively to MOT Leeds News, Robinson said: “Of course, it’s a worry. All of the goalscoring burden is on Mateo Joseph. Without Patrick Bamford, you’re looking at Joel Piroe, but he doesn’t normally play as a No.9.
“Leeds are light in that area, and you can’t rely on Bamford to be fit for a whole season. We’ve seen that before in recent seasons and it’s a big ask for Joseph.”
Patrick Bamford concerns continue at Leeds United
While both Mateo Joseph and Joel Piroe have bought new pairs of shooting boots ahead of the 2024/25 campaign, Bamford’s lack of fitness is hugely worrying.
He has only played 22 minutes of Championship football so far, missing games against Sheffield Wednesday, Hull City and Burnley, but was able to play a full match in the EFL Cup.
With Leeds aiming to secure promotion to the Premier League this season, the 31-year-old’s experience and knowledge could be key, but it will not be as useful from the bench as it would be on the pitch.
Joseph has been in fine form since being given a real opportunity by Farke, but it is a huge ask for the 20-year-old Spaniard to remain firing on all cylinders for the entire campaign.
