Patrick Bamford has claimed that he has his sights on a return at the start of next season as it look increasingly unlikely he will feature again for Leeds United this term. A string of different injuries have ruined the England striker’s campaign as he has started just seven Premier League games since August.
The Whites were hoping to have him back for the run in following the international break but he had to be withdrawn after just 23 minutes in the win at Wolves. It transpired that he had been rushed back too quickly as more damage had been done to the partially ruptured plantar fascia in his foot.
He admitted that it was his desire to return to help Leeds in the relegation fight that led to the full rupture in an interview with Football Focus. Bamford said: “Even before the Wolves game, I knew that I wasn’t quite right and in the warm-up I should’ve just stopped but I really wanted to play.
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“I tried changing my insoles thinking it would do something but it did nothing. There were four movements in the game and then it fully tore on the last one and I knew it.
“It wasn’t until I sat down in the dugout that it hit me and I got a bit emotional. There’s a good chance I won’t play again this season and if I do it’ll be a bonus. So, in my head already, I’ve set my target for the start of next season.”
If he isn’t ready to return until the beginning of next season, he will be hoping that he and his team mates are still playing Premier League football. Although, despite claiming it would be unlikely, Bamford did admit that, should the Whites need the points, he could return for the last couple of games of the season.
When asked if he would aim for that eventuality should he feel closer to full fitness, he replied: “Then I’ll play, 100%. If we do need the points and there’s a couple of games at the end which are really important then I’ll push it to get back.”
While the presence of Bamford in the frontline at Elland Road is always welcomed by supporters, they won’t want to see a repeat of the problem that has ruined his last nine months. Another premature return is the last thing that Bamford, and Leeds, need so hopefully his team mates are able to get the job done in his continued absence.
