27-year-old says he will return to Leeds training this week

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Patrick Bamford has told Leeds United’s podcast that he is set to return to training this week after having a scan on an injured calf earlier in the week. He came off after 77 minutes during the Whites’ last outing, a win over Fulham.

Following his England snub, 27-year-old Bamford reacted in the best possible way with a goal and an assist as Leeds beat Fulham 2-1. But the ex-Chelsea academy product was substituted with 13 minutes still to play, hobbling off after the win.

It came after Bamford, who remains uncapped by England, was replaced in the first half during the game prior to the win over Fulham – drawing 0-0 with Chelsea. The international break might have come at just the right time for the Leeds ace.

That is because he has stated in the latest Leeds United podcast that he has undergone a scan on his calf on Monday – and has since not trained, but is expecting to return to training towards the end of the week, potentially on Friday.

“My calf is sore,” Bamford said. “There wasn’t any tears. It’s a bit of overuse, it’s overcompensating. We had Saturday, Sunday and Monday off – scan Monday, and I’ve had treatment the last few days. I’ll probably train back end of this week.”

TBR’s view – Leeds need Bamford fit – but do England?

Yes, Bamford missed out on the international fixtures this month but perhaps there is more to Gareth Southgate simply picking Ollie Watkins over him. Indeed, the England fixture schedule might have gone against Bamford.

With harder games against Albania and Poland coming after last night’s win over San Marino, either Watkins or Bamford was likely to get game time on Thursday. The chances are that Harry Kane will start against Albania and Poland.

So, with Bamford injured for Thursday’s game, maybe that is why Southgate chose Watkins. If he can continue to shine for Leeds and perhaps reach 20 Premier League goals, surely Gareth Southgate will have to choose him for Euro 2021.