New Patrick Bamford fitness blow for Leeds Utd as Joe Gelhardt discusses his rise

Leeds United look unlikely to see Patrick Bamford again this season amid a stark reality check on his fitness from the striker himself.

The 2021/22 campaign has become to forget for the 28-year-old. Having struck 17 goals last season – the second highest English goalscorer in the Premier League – Bamford was rewarded with a precious England cap against Andorra in September. However, just two weeks later, the striker was to suffer the first of a multiple of cruel injury blows.

That came at Newcastle when, during a 1-1 draw on September 17, he sustained a problematic ankle injury.

His struggle to recover lingered on for far longer than anyone expected. When he did return – making a goalscoring return as a substitute against Brentford – Bamford pulled a hamstring during his celebrations.

Various issues following on from that continued to keep Bamford on the sidelines. And during his absence, Bamford saw the departure of adored coach Marcelo Bielsa, with the Argentine replaced by Jesse Marsch.

Bamford finally made his Leeds return in Marsch’s second game; the disappointing 3-0 home loss to Aston Villa. A start against Norwich followed later that week, as Leeds recorded a vital 2-1 win.

Managing his return carefully, Bamford was withdrawn at half-time before a similar plan was put in place for the trip to Molineux.

However, that Friday night encounter saw Bamford rupture the plantar fascia in the heel of his foot.

A painful injury, Bamford is likely to be missing for around six weeks.

Were he to remain on course, that could see Bamford back in action for the final three games of the season.

Leeds, however, will hope they are safe by that stage, with their relegation fears easing a little in recent weeks.

However, Bamford