INJURED BAMFORD OFFERS A POSITIVE OUTLOOK
LEEDS striker Patrick Bamford vowed to be back to “help the team as soon as possible” after sustaining posterior cruciate ligament damage during an under-23s game.
The 25-year-old, who signed from Middlesbrough in a deal worth up to £10million in July, will be sidelined for four months with the injury.
“Thanks to everyone for the messages of support. I’m gutted by the news, but I’ll be back ready to help the team as soon as possible and I’ll be behind the boys all the way in the meantime. #MOt,” Bamford posted on his Twitter account.
The club’s director of football Victor Orta said: “This is clearly disappointing news for Patrick and for everyone at Leeds United.
“Patrick has settled in well, quickly becoming an important player for Marcelo Bielsa and a popular part of the group. We have an excellent medical team at the club and Patrick is in the best possible hands, he will be back available to us during an important part of the season and he will still play a key role in our campaign.”
Bamford’s injury has left boss Bielsa short of firepower, with Kemar Roofe also missing yesterday’s clash at Millwall with a knock.
Roofe’s fine early-season form has restricted Bamford to five substitute appearances since his arrival at Elland Road, but he scored on his full debut against Bolton in the Carabao Cup.
On Roofe’s injury, boss Bielsa said: “He (Roofe) received a kick that does not allow him to play.
“We have four players missing, three of them are offensive players and I have to take this into account.
“Tyler Roberts has made many efforts. He played for 40 minutes as a No.9 for Wales and it’s an option for us.”