Arsenal legend Ian Wright has revealed he was 'devastated' for Leeds United forward Patrick Bamford after seeing him limp out of the recent clash with Wolverhamton Wanderers. Bamford featured in all 38 Premier League matches for Leeds during the 2020/21 campaign, scoring 17 goals and establishing himself as a top flight marksman.
However, he has been ravaged by injuries this season and has managed just nine league appearances. Having already endured two separate lay-offs, the 28-year-old was forced out of the action at Molineux and it was later revealed by the club that he had ruptured his plantar fascia.
It is an injury to the sole of the foot and although he will not require surgery, Wright has admitted he was devastated for the forward. Whilst discussing the recent return of Kalvin Phillips from injury on Wrighty's House, he said: "They try to hold you back so you don’t break down, as we’ve seen with Patrick Bamford, because you’re under pressure and you’re needed.
Read more: Leeds United injury list and return dates as Joe Gelhardt suffers injury blow in Under-23s clash
"You want to get back, the team wants you back, fans are constantly saying you’re back. I cannot even try to get into the headspace of the pressure that guy is under. So to see him back I just pray to God they manage him so it’s not a breakdown situation like with Patrick. I was devastated for Patrick, I just hope that doesn’t happen with Kalvin."
The lengthy absences of Phillips and Bamford have been felt by Leeds this season and the Whites have failed to replicate the form they showed during their first season back in the Premier League. Bamford's absence has paved the way for the emergence of exciting prodigy Joe Gelhardt, although Leeds have started him in the league just twice and under Marcelo Bielsa, winger Daniel James was often used up front.
Leeds confirmed via their official website on 27 March that Bamford is expected to be out for six weeks, by which time the season will be approaching its end.
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