Patrick Bamford injury rocks Leeds as striker is ruled out for four months

Bamford joined Leeds in the summer transfer window but will be out of action until at least January after suffering a knee ligament injury while on Under-23 duty

Bamford has been ruled out for at least four month (Getty)

Patrick Bamford has been ruled out for at least four months after picking up an injury while playing in an Under-23s match to hand Leeds United a major setback in their bid for promotion to the Premier League.

Bamford joined Leeds from Middlesbrough in the summer and has scored one goal in his seven appearances under new manager Marcelo Bielsa, who has led the club to the top of the Championship alongside Middlesbrough.

After a series of tests the club confirmed the 25-year-old suffered a posterior cruciate ligament [PCL] injury while playing against Bristol City at Elland Road on Friday evening.

Bamford’s injury is a major setback in Leeds’ quest for promotion (Getty)

Leeds’ head of medicine and performance, Rob Price, said the club are seeking the best treatment available to get him back fit as soon as possible. “Patrick is a very fit footballer and whilst this is a setback for all concerned, we have spoken to some of the best consultants in the country to make the correct diagnosis quickly.

“My team will work with Patrick to get him back involved with the first team as fast as possible,” Price added.

Bamford joined Chelsea aged 18 for £1.5m and had loan spells at Milton Keynes, Derby, Middlesbrough, Crystal Palace, Norwich and Burnley before signing permanently at Boro, but joined Leeds for £7m after just 18 months in the north-east.

Leeds director of football Victor Orta said that the injury is a disappointment but expects to have their star striker back for the busy January and February period of the season. “This is clearly disappointing news for Patrick and for everyone at Leeds United,” he said.

“Patrick has settled in well, quickly becoming an important player for Marcelo Bielsa and a popular part of the group.

“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.”