It hasn’t been a good day for Leeds United, who have been dealt a significant injury blow.  

Leeds will be without Patrick Bamford for up to four months, after the striker picked up a PCL injury playing for the club’s under-23s last week.

Bamford was injured in a 5-0 victory over Bristol City, with Leeds’ £7m striker now set for an extended period on the sidelines.

The 25-year-old’s return is likely to come in early 2019, with Leeds’ stretched squad looking to remain in promotion contention between now and then.

As always in this kind of situation, Bamford’s misfortune will open the door for others to impress Marcelo Bielsa.

Leeds have a thin squad, but the talent is there and should be ready to step up if needed.

Here at FLW, we consider that, identifying THREE players who could step up in the absence of Bamford…

Clarke is about as highly-rated as they come at Leeds.

The 17-year-old forward is impressing in the under-23s, with his performance in the game Bamford picked up his injury in, really encouraging.

Clarke won’t be able to lead the line, but the absence of a forward in Leeds’ squad could push the teenager into Bielsa’s thoughts.

Roberts has made two appearances in the League Cup this season, with Bielsa using the ex-West Brom man on the wing.

However, Roberts could be someone to offer an alternative to Kemar Roofe as a No.9.

This could be the break the Welsh international needed at Elland Road.

Edmondson is another of Leeds’ under-23s, but unlike Clarke, he is capable of leading the line.

The powerful forward made his first-team debut last season under Paul Heckingbottom, and has been working with Bielsa’s first-team.

Right now, Edmondson looks like the most likely replacement for Bamford on the bench.

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