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Football

11th Sep 2018

Leeds hit with injury blow as Patrick Bamford injures knee ligaments

The striker signed from Middlesbrough in the summer and has scored once this season, as Kemar Roofe has occupied the central striking role

Reuben Pinder

He will be out for several months

Leeds United have been hit with an injury blow, after Patrick Bamford suffered a knee injury during an under 23s match against Bristol City on Friday night.

Tests have revealed that the former Chelsea striker has suffered posterior cruciate ligament damage, which will rule him out for four months.

Bamford joined Marelo Bielsa’s side from Middlesbrough for a fee of £7m in the summer and was given the number 9 shirt, but has only scored one goal for the Yorkshire club so far this season.

He has been kept out the side by Kemar Roofe, who has moved into a central role under Bielsa, having spent most of his career on the wing.

Roofe has four goals and two assists so far this season, and will now shoulder even more of the goalscoring burden as Leeds push towards promotion.

Leeds director of football Victor Orta said the news of Bamford’s injury was “disappointing 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,” he added.

“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.”

There are still nine months to go in the Championship season, and Bamford should return shortly after Christmas, ready to contribute to Leeds’ promotion push.