Patrick Bamford's ongoing injury at Leeds should have "alarm bells ringing", according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

The £18m-rated striker hasn't kicked a ball since December and doesn't appear any closer to making a return to action.

What's the latest news involving Bamford?

Such is Bamford's ongoing injury problems, he's played just 22 minutes of football over the last five months, missing more than 20 competitive games.

An ankle problem was the reason for his first setback, although following two months out, he did return to action against Brentford in December. It was a memorable comeback for Bamford, who scored a dramatic added-time equaliser to earn Leeds a point.

But Bamford's joy was short-lived as he sustained a hamstring injury while celebrating his 95th minute goal and hasn't played since.

The Athletic reported last week that Leeds were hoping to have Bamford back in action for the home game with Aston Villa on 10 March.

However, when Marcelo Bielsa conducted his final pre-match press conference as Leeds manager, he responded to those claims by saying that there's no fixed date for the striker to play again.

Bielsa went on to explain that a return in early March "doesn't seem likely to be the case", with Bamford not yet back on the grass.

What did O'Rourke say about Bamford?

He told GIVEMESPORT: "I felt that Bielsa's comments the other week saying they couldn't get to the bottom of this injury, that would set alarm bells ringing for me.

"After all this time, they still don't know the full extent of the injury. We're coming up to March now and he seems no nearer to a return to football."

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When could Bamford make his comeback?

The good news for Leeds is that Bielsa was confident that Bamford will be able to play again this season.

The bad news is that Leeds have scored just twice in their last four games, are only two points above the relegation-zone and desperately need Bamford back fit.

Leeds play four times before the next international break, but then have a 15-day gap from when they travel to Wolves on 18 March and host Southampton on 2 April.

Therefore, while there's no concrete update on when Bamford will be back in action, that break could prove crucial in his rehabilitation and give him a chance to prove his fitness in a bid to return for the business end of the season.