Tony Dorigo highlights Patrick Bamford, Georginio Rutter’s ‘blow’ for Daniel Farke ahead of Leeds v Cardiff

The loss of Patrick Bamford and Georginio Rutter would represent a “huge blow” for Leeds United ahead of their Championship opener against Cardiff City, according to Tony Dorigo.

The forward duo both limped off injured during the 1-0 pre-season friendly win over Hearts on Sunday (July 30), leaving their status for the Championship opener against the Bluebirds in doubt.

It remains to be seen who will lead the line for Leeds as they aim to make a quick start in their bid to return to the Premier League and Dorigo is concerned as he highlighted the need for firepower to get the Whites competing at the top of the table.

“The downside is Georginio Rutter and Patrick Bamford going off injured which is a real blow and I think there’s no surprise in the fact that the club is in the transfer market looking for reinforcements – and upfront would have been one of those places,” Dorigo wrote in the Yorkshire Evening Post (2 August).

“Of course, you need strikers. Any side that gets promoted has got a talisman that scores a good few goals and that’s exactly what we need, whether it’s Bamford or Rutter or whoever. You need them fit and on the pitch so that is disappointing.”

Frustrating

These two injuries will come as a very frustrating blow for Daniel Farke who must now reassess his options going forward with just a matter of days left until the Championship season gets underway.

There is very little time for the club to bring in any striking reinforcements and without Bamford and Rutter, it leaves the Whites a bit light going forward.

Pre-season has provided supporters with plenty of positives to take away and it is cruel that this double injury blow has now arrived so close to their opening match of the Championship campaign when they welcome Cardiff City to Elland Road.

Farke will need to act fast and might have to change his original game plan, but if he is going to be a success in West Yorkshire then he will need to learn to adapt to any challenges he might face.

This is the perfect chance to prove he can do that and get off to a winning start.

In other Leeds United news, another player is likely to pass his medical with the club despite previous injury issues.