Daniel Farke delivers an update on a Leeds United player.

•  Daniel Farke will be cautious with Patrick Bamford’s return from injury, prioritizing his long-term fitness over rushing him back into the team.
•  Bamford has struggled with injuries in recent seasons, hindering his impact on the pitch.
•  Leeds has other attacking options, but a fit and confident Bamford would be a valuable asset for the team.

As Patrick Bamford nears a return to the Leeds United first squad, Daniel Farke has vowed to be ‘careful’ with him.

Patrick Bamford’s injury woes

During Marcelo Bielsa’s tenure as manager, the 30-year-old was a tremendously crucial player for the Whites, scoring 16 goals to assist the side return to the Premier League, and he followed that up with 17 on their return to the top division.

However, things have been much more difficult for the ex-Middlesbrough player since then, with injury troubles stopping him from making the impact he would’ve liked.

These issues have persisted this preseason, with Bamford last appearing in the final preseason match against Hearts.

Daniel Farke delivers an update on Patrick Bamford.

However, the former England international is now accelerating his recovery from the hamstring injury that has kept him out for the time being.

However, Farke told Leeds Live that he will not take any risks with the player, despite his excitement about what Bamford can bring to the team.

“He’s not completely fit. We will still be cautious with him because he was away for eight weeks and has only been back in team training for about six days. This week, I believe, was also not the easiest because we exercised in small groups to differentiate between players with heavy loads and those who were not as involved on the field.

“As a result, it was not the easiest week for him to return to team training.” I believe the upcoming week will be good because we will have more time on the training field, and I expect him to be back in the mix next week.

“Obviously, he needs game time to get into his best rhythm, but a fit Patrick Bamford with rhythm and confidence is invaluable.” The proof was also in preseason, where I believe he had some pretty impressive games and scored some really good goals. The most important topic for him is that he’s fit, that he gains confidence through training and also through games, that he’s in this rhythm, and that he can score a lot of goals. On this level, he has shown it.”

Is Patrick Bamford required by Leeds?

Leeds are no longer as reliant on Bamford as they once were, thanks to Joel Piroe’s signing this summer, who gives them a proven Championship goalscorer in the group.

The Whites have plenty of attacking options in the final third, but there’s little doubt Bamford would be a welcome addition as a natural number nine.

Farke’s statements indicate that he will be glad to reintroduce Bamford, but he is correct to be cautious. When the youngster is ready, it will be up to Bamford to fight his way into a very quality Leeds XI.

What comes next for Leeds?

After a sluggish start, the Yorkshire side is now clicking, as they are unbeaten in their last four games, including a point with 10 men against Hull last time out.

Leeds host Watford at Elland Road on Saturday, looking to continue their ascent up the league.