Marcelo Bielsa delivers injury update on Leeds star Patrick Bamford

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Marcelo Bielsa has suggested in Friday’s press conference that Patrick Bamford will not be available to face Burnley on Sunday. The Whites play host to the Clarets at Elland Road, but Bamford has played just once since September.

England international Bamford, 28, has endured a tricky start to the season. Scoring once and creating two more in his first five games, Bamford picked up an ankle knock – which was only expected to be minor.

But it kept the ex-Chelsea man out for nine consecutive Premier League matches. He returned to play for the 23’s, and then came off the bench against Brentford – scoring an injury-time equaliser to draw 2-2.

However, Bamford picked up a hamstring injury in the immediate aftermath of his goal and has since missed another five league games. Comments from Bamford earlier in the week hinted at his potential availability for Sunday.

But Bielsa was less optimistic in his presser. The Argentine gaffer states that Bamford has not played in four weeks and while Bielsa labelled him “healthy”, he states that no training sessions in four weeks makes his inclusion a hard one.

“This is the fourth week since Patrick’s injury. Patrick is healthy but he hasn’t played for four weeks now. But that puts into doubt the convenience of him playing without any football training sessions,” Bielsa said.

Bamford decision: Should Bielsa put him on bench for Leeds?

Clearly, Bamford will not be starting against Burnley. While Leeds are in desperate need for a win against a side that they find themselves battling to avoid the drop against – so, full strength is tempting.

But Bielsa is right. Match fitness is non-existent, and against a physical side in Burnley with James Tarkowski and Ben Mee at the back – it is hardly the side you want to ease Bamford back in. But, he can still offer something.

If Leeds are chasing the game and looking for a goal with 20 minutes to play, bringing Bamford on might just provide the difference – as it did against Brentford. Surely, if fit, he has to be on the bench.