Leeds United are continuing to monitor the fitness of Patrick Bamford and Luke Ayling ahead of their Premier League encounter against Tottenham after the international break.
Bamford has missed the last six league games for the Whites after picking up an ankle injury in the 1-1 draw against Newcastle in October, while Ayling suffered a knee problem in the same fixture.
The absences have proved to be a blow for Marcelo Bielsa so far this season, whose side sits in 15th position in the Premier League after 11 games.
Bamford appears to be on the home straight regarding his return to fitness, though, and there is hope that the striker could be fit enough to make the travelling squad against Tottenham after the international period.
The 28-year-old recently revealed his frustrations at being sidelined and although he is seeing improvements, he admitted that his recovery has taken longer than expected.
Speaking to MOTDX, he said: “It’s okay, it’s [the recovery] been a little bit slow. It is [getting better] day by day, it’s just taking a little bit longer than I first thought.
“The thing that’s got under my skin a little bit is that I thought I’d be back in four weeks. The fact it’s taken longer than that has been difficult to get my head around. But I’m seeing improvements.”
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Meanwhile, Bielsa will be hoping to have Ayling back at his disposal for Spurs, with Leeds having to deploy the likes of Jamie Shackleton and teenager Cody Drameh at right-back instead.
He started every game in the Premier League last season and will continue to be monitored by the club over the international break to see if he will be a late addition to the squad which will travel to North London.
Spurs Web Opinion
Bamford is Leeds’ main striker and it has been pretty clear that they have struggled without him. Spurs could do without him being fit as it will be another player to worry about. Ayling is an important player for Bielsa as well, but is likely behind Bamford in terms of his schedule for return.
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