Confirmed: Daniel Farke shares Leeds United injury boost as yet-to-be-seen player in contention for Southampton trip
Leeds United striker Patrick Bamford is pushing to return to the squad for the Whites’ away trip to Southampton after a fairly lengthy absence recently.
Russell Martin’s Southampton are Leeds’ next opponents in the Championship as Daniel Farke aims to build on Leeds’ encouraging form in September.
The Saints are seriously under pressure after four straight losses with the worst defensive record in the division, and Leeds will be aiming to take full advantage of their major lull.
Will Patrick Bamford be fit?
A key question for Farke during his pre-match press conference was on the fitness of Patrick Bamford, who hasn’t played for Leeds since the final pre-season game of July at Hearts, unavailable for every competitive game so far.
He suffered an injury to his hamstring in Scotland and has been absent ever since, but returned to team training last week as Leeds took on three opponents in the space of six days.
Farke confirmed that the striker could be in the running to make the matchday squad that travels to the South Coast (via Phil Hay):
Any other team news?
There is no other major news for Farke’s side as they prepare for the clash against the Saints, with no other players returning from injury and none picking up further issues.
That means Willy Gnonto (ankle) is out until the October international break, Djed Spence (knee) is out until mid-November, and Junior Firpo is yet to be back in team training.
Joe Rodon is back from suspension, though, to provide a major boost at the back for Leeds.
Bamford is not someone I can see starting in this setup right now, but it’s a great boost to have him back in the squad.
He’s a strong option to have with the attacking players that we have right now, given Bamford’s quality in link-up.
To have Bamford coming in for the final half-hour when we are holding on for a result, then that is such a bonus for Farke.
