Leeds and Queens Park Rangers will compete in the penultimate Championship match of 2023–2024 soon. Although the Whites expect to return to the Premier League automatically by promotion, Daniel Farke’s team may be missing one of its key players.
Michael Frey and Taylor Richards will not be available for Marti Cifuentes to play alongside, but there are currently no further injuries to worry about. None of this, though, applies to the Premier League hopes who might be without Patrick Bamford due to a “big bruise on his knee.”
Farke indicated the injury is not too serious when he answered yes when asked if the English striker will be available for a match on Saturday or Sunday.
Farke stated during the pre-game press conference: “There have been a few hits and knocks, and because of the short turnaround, we have to make some late decisions.” Patrick Bamford is the only real question mark; if he’s available, his large bruise on his knee would be a serious concern.
Daniel James will also be out for the Elland Road team due to an oblique abdominal muscle rupture and a costal cartilage injury he sustained following a challenge late in the team’s 4-3 victory over Middlesbrough at the Riverside. Even though the winger managed to finish the game, he was assisted off the field by physios after he promptly collapsed to the ground as the whistle blew.
Regarding James’s injury, the Leeds manager remarked: “You’re usually out for two to three weeks with this kind of injury.” A 12-day turnaround would be possible. Usually he’s out, but there’s still some hope. We’re trying everything to get Daniel available, and our physicians, physiotherapists, and Daniel are working around the clock to do so. It’s reasonable to assume that he won’t make it at this point, but if he is accessible, that would be a lovely little surprise.
On Tuesday, Farke said that James, 26, would not be able to make the trip to Loftus Road on Friday. Additionally, his compatriot Connor Roberts has been ruled out of the match. Following season-ending surgery on his groin, Pascal Struijk is still recovering from the injury sustained during the international break.
