Despite Leeds United’s first win of the season at Sheffield Wednesday, the need for signings was only heightened by the lack of depth on the bench.
Leeds ran out comfortable 2-0 winners at Hillsborough thanks to goals from Brenden Aaronson and Dan James, in what was easily the most accomplished performance so far.
Daniel Farke certainly made all the right decisions in terms of team selection, bringing Aaronson into that number 10 role for Joel Piroe.
That said, aside from a potential start for Joe Rothwell, he did not really have many other options at his disposal, with his squad incredibly stretched right now.
Farke was forced to name two goalkeepers and a 16-year-old Sam Chambers on his bench, as well as other youngsters such as Charlie Crew and James Debayo, who are also yet to debut.
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Farke shares new update on Patrick Bamford
When Leeds face Hull City this time next week, it is highly likely the squad will look a lot stronger, with a number of new signings still wanted.
Largie Ramazani has already joined from UD Almeria, and Manor Solomon is expected to follow him imminently on loan from Tottenham. Another two could also arrive.
From those already at the club, Leeds were also without a couple of senior players due to injury, with Patrick Bamford joining Max Wober on the sidelines, despite no mention of any problem in Farke’s pre-match press conference.
Farke confirmed to Sky Sports just before kick-off a hamstring issue is what kept Bamford out of the trip to Hillsborough, before providing more of a detailed update after full-time.
Unfortunately, this is just the latest of a long list of injuries Bamford has had in the last couple of years and with that in mind, it is clear Farke was keen to protect what he can offer the squad when speaking about his situation.
He said: “We need to be patient. Don’t need to speak about his quality, it is all about him being fit. A cap for England is not a coincidence. He was pretty close to getting back his fitness.
“He will be out for 1 to 2 weeks so not too bad. If not before after the international break. Patrick is important to Joseph as he helps him improve the striker. We want him back sooner rather than later.”
- READ MORE: Daniel Farke left blown away by Leeds United player’s ‘perfect’ performance vs Sheffield Wednesday
Leeds simply cannot rely on Bamford anymore
It is clear Bamford is a key part of the dressing room, but aside from his experience, it really is becoming more and more difficult to justify Bamford still being such a prominent member of the squad.
Bamford missed some crucial matches towards the end of last season due to injury, as well as almost all of pre-season, and now just three games in he is injured again.
Mateo Joseph is deservedly Leeds’ first choice striker right now but as a young player, he is bound to go through some tough spells and Bamford simply cannot be relied on as his backup.
It almost certainly won’t happen, but buying some more reliable striker competition really wouldn’t be a bad idea.
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