Daniel Farke has shared why Patrick Bamford was absent from Leeds United’s win at Swansea City tonight.
Bamford had been set to start the game in South Wales but was forced to pull out in the warm up with Joel Piroe coming in to take his place late on against his former club.
Leeds were able to cope with the late change pretty comfortably as they romped to a 4-0 win, with Piroe on the scoresheet inside the opening 10 minutes alongside Crysencio Summerville.
However, it has to be said that Bamford has played a key part in Leeds’ brilliant start to 2024 and Farke will very much be hoping that he will not be missing for too long.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, Farke says Bamford was feeling some muscular/ligament problems before the game and told Farke he was not ready to play.
Farke explains Bamford absence
He said: “Compliments to the team in these circumstances. Ten or 15 minutes before kick-off it was clear Patrick had some problems. Ligaments or muscles maybe. Came in before kick-off and said he did not feel ready to go.”
This is a gutting time for Bamford to pick up an injury having just been named as the club’s player of the month award, and saying this is the happiest he has been for a long time on the pitch.
Bamford offers something no one else in the squad can do in attack but Piroe was able to come in and fill the absence left by the 30-year-old by scoring against his former club.
Leeds have a really busy schedule to come in the next few weeks and Farke will need as many players as possible available in order to come through as well as possible.
Hopefully it is something minor and Bamford will be back in the next week or two ready to pick up from where he has just left off.
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