Phil Hay has told his Athletic podcast that he has been “told” Patrick Bamford returned to Leeds United training this week – but the England international could be rested against Championship side Cardiff City on Sunday afternoon.
Bamford, 29, has not been seen since the 2-1 win over Liverpool towards the end of October. A game in which he inadvertently laid on an assist for Crysencio Summerville to score the winner. The striker’s injury woes continue.
During the World Cup break, Bamford went for surgery in Munich. During his recovery, illness hampered Bamford’s recovery. He was expected to return to training soon and now, Athletic reporter Hay has given an update on Friday.
Ahead of the third round of the FA Cup clash against Cardiff City on Sunday, Hay says Bamford returned to training this week. However, Hay predicts that he will be rested against the Championship side for Aston Villa next week.
“I was told he was back training this week. Whether or not that means he has a chance for Cardiff. I would assume they won’t risk him in that game. That means we’re looking at Villa, but it is a never-ending conversation that one.”
Hay told Bamford returned to Leeds training this week, could miss Cardiff
Having been out for more than two months, and only being back in training a matter of days, it makes sense that Bamford does not play against Cardiff. That is, despite it comes as a huge frustration to Leeds fans, and Bamford.
The days of Bamford starting for England after the 2020-21 season in which he scored 17 Premier League goals is long gone. Many are now questioning his future at Elland Road, after managing just 20 outings since 2020-21.
But it is likely he will be on the bench against Villa and that will be a boost. Hopefully, this is the end of Bamford’s injury woes. And, he can help Leeds avoid a relegation battle during the second half of the Premier League season.
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