Bielsa issues disappointing update on Bamford as Leeds prepare for Villa

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Marcelo Bielsa has issued a concerning update on Patrick Bamford, claiming that the Leeds United striker’s injury has not improved ahead of their clash with Aston Villa – in comments reported by Leeds Live.

The Whites travel to Villa Park looking to bounce back from a bruising defeat to Newcastle before the winter break. Had Leeds won that game, Bielsa’s men would have been two points off the top-half of the Premier League table.

Of course, one major problem against the Magpies was their lack of cutting edge in front of goal. The likes of Raphinha and Jack Harrison found themselves in promising positions on a number of occasions. However, they were unable to capitalise.

It was Dan James who started up front with Bamford out injured for Leeds. James went into the contest off the back of a brilliant display at the London Stadium previously.

However, his limitations as a striker were exposed against Newcastle. And, unfortunately for the Leeds fans hoping for James to be taken out of the firing line, Bielsa has issued some disappointing news on Bamford’s situation as he provided an injury update.

“Cooper and Phillips are in the final stages of their recovery from their operations,” he said, as reported by Leeds Live. “Firpo is in the final stages of his recovery. He will be available next weekend or the following one.

“Bamford has not improved. He continues with the problems at the bottom of his foot and he has not started jogging, so his situation continues the same way.”

Leeds fans will be incredibly worried after Bielsa issues update on Bamford

Leeds do have other options. Rodrigo started as a 10 last time out. And Joe Gelhardt came on for the latter stages.

But not having Bamford available is a big blow. Kalvin Phillips has previously labelled him an ‘unbelievable‘ player.

Of course, he scored a hat-trick at Villa Park last season. And he has scored a couple of key goals when he has been available this season.

James is a leading contender to start up front against Villa. Bielsa may be wary of moving Rodrigo forward, unless Mateusz Klich also pushes up.

It is also incredibly alarming that Bamford is not making progress at this stage. That would certainly suggest that the Villa game is not going to be the last he misses by some way.