Jesse Marsch has stressed the need to continually manage Patrick Bamford after a number of injury setbacks in the past 12 months. The Leeds United striker missed a large chunk of last season through injury and picked up a knock in the draw with Southampton earlier this season.
The 29-year-old enjoyed a productive return to the top flight back in 2020-21, scoring 17 goals in 38 appearances for Marcelo Bielsa's side. But since then, he's managed just 14 appearances in the Premier League and just two goals.
Bamford has been eased back into action following injury earlier this season, picking up minutes against Everton and Brentford, but scored a hattrick against Southampton U21s in an outing for the Whites U21s. Injury to Rodrigo - who started the season in fine form - left Leeds short of options up front, but Bamford's timely return will bolster Marsch's options in the final third.
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"With Patrick it’s always been about trying to manage him so that we're pushing him fitness-wise and that he's sharp and playing at a high level," Marsch said. "Then also with being careful to not push him too hard and risk him getting other little injuries and little niggling injuries.
"I think we've managed it well, but it's a little bit of a balancing act with him. He's massively important for us. In every moment he's been on the pitch from pre-season until now he scored goals, he's been dangerous, he gets chances.
"So obviously in the Premier League goals are at a premium and I think we will we will need him and we will need him to be at his best."
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