Leeds striker Patrick Bamford will not be available to face Watford on Saturday, despite having returned to training, according to Phil Hay.

The 24-year-old has yet to make a single appearance this season following an injury sustained in pre-season.

Daniel Farke has opted to rest Wilfried Gnotta with an ankle injury, meaning Rutter and Piroe are now the first choice strikers.

Farke may be tempted to recall Bamford against Watford, but Hay believes that will not be the case.

“Doesn’t sound like Bamford will be involved tomorrow (v Watford),” he wrote.

“Farke expects him to get in the mix more next week, ahead of Southampton.”

Brink

For the first time in a while, Leeds fans no longer have to fear that their season will be determined by the fitness and condition of Bamford. In the absence of both Gnotto and Bamford, the attack is well-stocked with Piroe, Rutter, Summerville, James, Anthony, Gelhardt and Poveda providing options when needed. This means that the manager does not have to rush the return of players from injury due to the abundance of quality options available, thus reducing the likelihood of Bamford returning to form as he has in the past.

There’s no pressure on him to get up to speed straight away as the rest of his team-mates are performing well, and it’s hoped that this will not only improve his fitness but also his results after a dismal two-year spell in the wilderness.

Bringing him back against the likes of Southampton will be welcome, but for the time being, all eyes are on Watford, and they’ll need to pick up all three points they can in their next visit to Elland Road.