Patrick Bamford names the four Leeds United players that are always first to arrive for training after injury crisis
Leeds United are finally back in action after the first international break of the season on Saturday when The Whites take on Burnley, and Patrick Bamford could return in time from an injury.
The striker missed the win over Hull City prior to the break with a hamstring injury, as did Wales winger Dan James. As competition for places rises, Bamford will be hoping to return to fitness as soon as he can.
But of course, Bamford’s record with injury is not a good one and Leeds may be cautious about throwing him back into the squad after another muscle injury. Especially, when Leeds have two other strikers.
Mateo Joseph has been on fire up top for Leeds this season and continued that form for Spain’s U21 side during the break. Joel Piroe opened his account for the season last time out, coming on as a substitute.
While Bamford’s availability on the pitch and subsequently his Leeds career continues to dwindle, his work in the media remains. He has released a new episode of his My Mate’s A Footballer podcast.
The striker told comedian and presenter Joe Wilkinson that it is always the same four players that come in first for training, and one of them includes a summer signing made by the club, though he is yet to play.
Bamford says himself, Sam Byram and goalkeeper Alex Cairns are first to arrive, and sometimes captain Ethan Ampadu: “Always first in in the morning is me, Sam Byram, Cairnsy and sometimes Ethan Ampadu.”
Despite his injuries, his lack of goals and that he is now 31, Bamford could be the next Leeds player to sign a new contract. His current deal ends in June 2026 and The 49ers deem his future as a priority.
Ben Jacobs recently said that Bamford has no problem in playing in the Championship and remains very loyal to Leeds. The striker is said to have no interest in leaving Leeds in the near future and could sign on.
“Bamford, I’m told, is a priority, though, and he’s willing to extend and has never had an issue playing in the Championship. He’s very loyal to Leeds, he doesn’t want to go anywhere at this stage,” Jacobs said.
After just one season in the first team, Gray‘s departure was a difficult pill to swallow. However, there will now be hope no more of the club’s top young talents have to move on.
Gray was regarded as arguably the best player to come out of Leeds’ academy since James Milner during the early 2000s, but there may be even better coming through soon.
And unfortunately as a Championship club, there will always be that risk some of the Europe’s elite make their move before even making it into the first team.
