Patrick Bamford is the only surprise absentee from Leeds United’s squad to face Sheffield Wednesday.
The Whites have made the short trip across Yorkshire to Hillsborough still looking for their first win of the season after two draws to start the season.
Daniel Farke has made just one change to his starting line-up from last weekend’s 0-0 draw at West Brom with Brenden Aaronson coming in for Joel Piroe in attacking midfield.
This is certainly an alteration that LeedsUnited.News felt had to happen, with Piroe enduring a very tough afternoon at the Hawthorns last time out.
It would’ve also been nice to see Joe Rothwell handed a first league start, but it is no surprise to see Ilia Gruev continue in there for a tough away match like this.
Farke explains Bamford omission from Leeds squad
Bamford is one of two notable absentees from Leeds’ bench tonight with Max Wober also missing out completely.
Farke did hint in his press conference that Wober’s availability was in doubt, as he continues to suffer from a calf problem he picked up in the 3-0 defeat to Middlesbrough.
However, Farke made no suggestion Bamford would be unavailable and his omission from the squad really brings to light how inexperienced Leeds’ bench is.
Farke has been forced to name two goalkeepers on there, as well as youngsters Sam Chambers, James Debayo and Charlie Crew. It is hard to see many who could come on and change a game.
Given his track record, Bamford’s late injury issue perhaps should not come as too much of a shock and Yorkshire Evening Post journalist Graham Smyth has explained what Farke told Sky Sports about his striker.
Bamford is nursing what is described as a minor hamstring injury and could well also miss Leeds’ match against Hull City next weekend too.
Bamford becoming a waste of a wage at Leeds
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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