'Absolutely bonkers' - Journalist stunned by injury situation regarding 'exceptional' Leeds hero

It is ‘absolutely bonkers’ that Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford hasn’t started a game for five months, according to journalist David Anderson.

The 28-year-old enjoyed perhaps the best season of his career in 2020/21, scoring 17 goals and registering seven assists in the Premier League, proving to be a pivotal figure for the Whites on their return to the top flight.

Bamford has had an unfortunate time of things in this campaign, though, starting just five times in the league as constant injury problems have held him back.

The hope is that the striker’s return to the fold isn’t far away now, given his all-round influence.

Speaking to Give Me Sport, Anderson admitted that he is staggered about how much football Bamford has missed this season, saying:

“Bielsa was optimistic and said Bamford should have been back for West Ham, but he suffered another injury and it’s his third one of the season.

“He hasn’t started a game for Leeds since 17 September, it’s absolutely bonkers.”

There have been numerous reasons for Leeds’ struggles at times in 2021/22 and the absence of Bamford has certainly been one of them, with Marcelo Bielsa’s men far more toothless without the 28-year-old. Having scored 62 league goals last season, they have just 24 this term just beyond the midway point of the campaign.

Not only is the Englishman a regular source of goals, his selflessness on and off the ball is also crucial, as highlighted by two assists this season prior to his injury troubles and an average of 1.1 clearances per game.

When Bamford returns, it should give Leeds the focal point they sorely need – Jurgen Klopp has hailed him as ‘exceptional’ – and it would be a surprise if their level of performances and results don’t go up a gear once