Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford could be out of action for up to three weeks following his latest setback, according to injury expert Ben Dinnery.
The 29-year-old has had a torrid time with several fitness complaints over the last 18 months, and the Whites revealed he hasn’t travelled to Spain for their training camp due to a groin problem.
Leeds United injury update – Patrick Bamford
Bamford missed Leeds’ final three games prior to the mid-season pause for the World Cup and has now flown to Munich in an attempt to resolve the issue ahead of the Premier League’s resumption.
“Whilst the majority of Jesse Marsch’s squad have arrived and are now training, some players have not travelled for the camp,” a club statement read.
“Patrick Bamford is currently in Munich having minor surgery on a groin injury. He’s expected to return to action and be available within two weeks.”
Leeds host Manchester City on December 28 in their first game back following the World Cup, meaning Bamford will be hopeful of recovering in time to play some part in that fixture.
What has Dinnery said about Bamford?
Dinnery believes that Bamford, who earns £74,000-per-week, could be sidelined for slightly longer than the original return date put out by Leeds.
In an interview with GiveMeSport, he said: “It’s the latest in a long line of setbacks for Patrick Bamford.
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“Ideally, sort of typically we have seen these minor surgical procedures where players are maybe back in maybe two to three weeks on occasions.
“I think ideally, if Leeds had Patrick Bamford back before the turn of the year, then I think that's a result, that's a good win for them.”
How have Leeds coped without Bamford?
Bamford has only started four Premier League games this season, as per Transfermarkt, and has failed to complete the full 90 minutes on each occasion.
The one-cap England international has also failed to find the back of the net, while his teammate Rodrigo has stepped up to the plate, bagging nine goals in 13 top-flight outings.
Leeds are currently lingering down in 15th position in the league standings, though, having picked up just 15 points from their opening 14 games.
Their 22 strikes make the west Yorkshire outfit the second-highest scorers in the bottom half of the division, indicating they haven’t missed Bamford too much.
Nevertheless, the return of Bamford, who has been described as "exceptional", back to full fitness would definitely be warmly welcomed by Marsch and Leeds as they look to pull away from the relegation zone.