Daniel Farke shares why Patrick Bamford was missing from Leeds United’s win over Plymouth on Saturday

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Saturday afternoon proved to be a walk in the park for Leeds United on Saturday as Daniel Farke’s men eased past Plymouth Argyle, but it will have been a source of frustration for Patrick Bamford.

Dan James continued his impressive return after injury with a 25-yard stunner, before Joel Piroe and USA star Brenden Aaronson netted their fifth and fourth goals of the season to hand Leeds an easy 3-0 win.

The win saw Leeds climb into second place and within three points of leaders Sunderland, with the Black Cats dropping points at QPR on Saturday. A seventh win from 13 games, and an eighth clean sheet.

Daniel Farke watched on as his side hardly got out of second gear to win the game, seeing out the victory in the second half. Farke even handed debuts to Josuha Guilavogui, Sam Chambers and Charlie Crew.

• READ MORE: Nadiem Amiri reacts to Josuha Guilavogui’s debut for Leeds

Daniel Farke explains Patrick Bamford absence after Leeds victory

But for one-time England man Bamford, Saturday will have been another frustrating watch. A frustration in the sense that as a striker, he will have been licking his lips at some of the chances given to star Piroe.

Speaking after the game, manager Farke explained why Bamford was missing after pre-match news that Bamford was missing due to illness. He confirmed reports, while also addressing an adductor problem.

“We will see [when Bamford is back]. Felt really unwell and could not train yesterday. Hopefully a quick thing and his adductors too. Could not test that in training because of the illness,” Farke told his presser.

Patrick Bamford’s lack of minutes is ominous for Leeds future

Last month, Carlton Palmer urged Leeds to sell Bamford in January. Farke responded by saying Bamford remains a crucial asset for Leeds but his lack of minutes this season is surely a worry for his Leeds future.

Bamford’s minutes after 13 league games over past five seasons:

The numbers have slowly decreased over the last five seasons, at this stage in the campaign. After 13 league games in 2020-21, Leeds’ first year back in the Premier League, Bamford was a man in super form.

But injury and a lack of momentum is evident in the stats. He has derailed since then, unable to remain fit and in turn, unable to hold down a chance in the starting XI. Bamford’s long-term future is in huge doubt.