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Ian Holloway explains how Leeds have been lucky with injuries

Will Butcher

Mon 11 March 2019 11:15, UK

that Leeds United have been lucky with injuries when discussing Patrick Bamford’s knock against Bristol City on Saturday.

Leeds earned all three points thanks to an excellent rearguard display. Patrick Bamford’s ninth-minute goal gave the visitors a 1-0 lead, which they held onto until the full-time whistle.

But Bamford collided with the post as he slid in to score. It saw the former Chelsea striker substituted in the 57th minute, though it remains to be seen if the problem will force him out for Tuesday clash’s against Reading.

Early signs seem to show that Bamford has not sustained an injury. With Kemar Roofe sidelined until the middle of April, Leeds need Bamford given that Tyler Roberts is preferred in the number 10 role.

Former QPR and Blackpool manager Holloway claimed that Leeds have been lucky not to have Roofe and Bamford injured at the same time. Bamford suffered a serious knee injury for the first half of the campaign.

“It was a brave goal that Bamford scored,” “It was a striker’s finish. He has kept his eye on it and crashed into the post.

“The lucky thing is, is that they’ve not been injured together [Roofe and Bamford]. One can take the place of the other. It allows Leeds to keep that quality.”

TBR’s view

Leeds have certainly not been lucky with injuries this season, but Holloway is right. Of Leeds’ best side, Luke Ayling, Liam Cooper, Pontus Jansson, Barry Douglas and more have all suffered injuries this term.

There was a brief period earlier in the season in which both Roofe and Bamford were out. It saw Tyler Roberts play up front and although he impressed, he is not as good as the aforementioned duo as a sole striker.

To have at least Bamford or Roofe available is key if Leeds can hold onto an automatic promotion place between now and May.