‘Realistically’: Patrick Bamford drops important update about his fitness towards Leeds’ play-off final vs Southampton

Patrick Bamford has provided a new personal injury update ahead of Leeds United’s play-off final against Southampton next weekend.

Bamford missed Leeds’ last two regular-season matches and both legs of the semi-final victory over Norwich City earlier this week.

The 30-year-old sustained a knee injury nearly a month ago during Leeds’ 4-3 win against Middlesbrough. Initially, it seemed to be just bruising rather than a serious injury.

Daniel Farke had initially hoped Bamford could return for the 4-0 defeat at Queens Park Rangers, but the severity of the injury became clearer later.

With the crucial final approaching, Bamford is eager to return to action but is contributing off the field by giving Georginio Rutter a personal pep talk before Thursday’s win.

Bamford shares the latest on his injury status
Bamford, along with Pascal Struijk and Sam Byram, missed the semi-final against Norwich. Struijk is out for the season, but both Bamford and Byram are working hard to regain fitness.

Bamford provided an injury update on the latest episode of the ‘My Mate’s A Footballer Podcast.’ He indicated it remains uncertain if he will be fit in time for the final and outlined the necessary timeline for his return to training.

He stated: “So, the simple answer is no [on whether he knows where his injury is at]. It is touch and go. Realistically, if I want to be involved in the final, I will have to train with the team at some point next week.

“Against Middlesbrough, I don’t remember the exact moment it happened. There was one shot where I was limping afterward, which is where they think it occurred. Cry had a shot, and I slid in to try and tap it in at the back post. I don’t know what happened, but somehow I managed to bang or twist my knee.

“Two minutes later, as I continued playing, the pain increased. The manager took me off five minutes later, and I thought it was just a bang. However, the next day, I was in agony.

“I iced it, hoping it would settle, but it got worse. It’s hard to explain, but it’s related to the patella tendon and where it attaches to the bone. It’s touch and go for the final.

“Given that it’s been three weeks since I last played, I need to train by Wednesday to be match-ready for the final on Sunday.”

Bamford’s uncertain return casts doubt on Leeds’ final lineup
Bamford’s presence in the squad for the final would be significant, especially given his off-ball contributions against a Southampton side known for playing out from the back.

However, Bamford does not sound optimistic about his chances of making it. The next few days are critical.

With over a week remaining before the final, if Bamford cannot return to training by Wednesday, his match fitness will be compromised. On a large pitch like Wembley, Leeds cannot afford any unfit players.

Hopefully, Bamford’s condition improves over the next 48-72 hours, allowing him to at least be a valuable option from the bench if Leeds need him.