Patrick Bamford is a major doubt for Leeds United ahead of their clash with Blackburn Rovers on Boxing Day, which will come as a blow to Marcelo Bielsa. 

Bamford returned form a lengthy injury lay-off and netted the winner against Bolton last weekend, but picked up a knee injury in training which is set to see him miss the midweek game against Tony Mowbray's side, according to Sky Sports. 

The striker re-joins the lengthy injury list at Elland Road, with Gaetano Berardi, Izzy Brown and Liam Cooper all currently ruled out of action until the New Year.

There could be some good news for Bielsa heading into this game, though, as Barry Douglas could be recalled to the starting XI after missing the win over Aston Villa through illness.

Youngster Leif Davis will be hoping to keep his place in the side ahead of Douglas after impressing on his first-team debut in the win at the weekend.

Jack Clarke will also be pushing for a start after making a significant difference from the substitutes bench against Dean Smith's side and could replace Jack Harrison in the starting XI.

The Verdict

Bamford's absence is a huge blow for Leeds.

He has already shown the quality he can bring to the Leeds team, and will be hugely frustrated to be ruled out of action heading towards the New Year.

Bielsa will be hoping that Bamford and the rest of his key players can return to action in the near future, so that they can play a starring role in their promotion bid this season.

Thoughts? Let us know!