Daniel Farke says Leeds have a player that is ‘priceless’, but he is yet to start this season

Patrick Bamford is yet to play a single minute this season but he has the backing of Leeds United boss Daniel Farke, who told Friday’s press conference that when Bamford is fit and confident, he’s “priceless”.

Bamford, 30, impressed during pre-season and scored in a win over his old side Nottingham Forest. But a trip to Hearts saw the one-time England man pick up an injury – keeping him sidelined right until now.

Back in training this week, the striker could be available against Watford but the likelihood is that Farke looks to give him more time on the training pitch – before bringing him in at Southampton next weekend.

Asked about Bamford in Friday’s presser, Farke said that when Bamford is fit and with rhythm – Leeds have a “priceless” player on their hands. But, he is aware that Leeds need to be careful with Bamford.

“We will still be careful him. This week has not been the easiest week for him to come back into training, because it has been small groups. Next week will be beneficial, we will have time on the pitch,” he said.

“He needs game time. A fit Bamford, who has rhythm and confidence is priceless. He proved this during pre-season,” Farke continued during Friday’s press conference, on Leeds United’s YouTube channel.

Daniel Farke: Patrick Bamford is priceless to Leeds when he is fit

Bamford is just one of those, you never know what you are going to get. A top striker that knows how to score goals in the Championship, and in the Premier League. But injuries have got the better of him.

Hopefully, with Joel Piroe on board and Georginio Rutter firing, Leeds do not need to rush Bamford in to the side. Perhaps, that is where Leeds went wrong in the past – and Bamford got injured. Needs time.

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Daniel Farke shares when he expects ‘brilliant’ Stuart Dallas will play for Leeds again

Daniel Farke has told Friday’s press conference – as per Leeds United’s YouTube – that it might still be a few more weeks until Stuart Dallas plays for Leeds again, after he returned to full training on Thursday.

Dallas, 32, has not played for Leeds since he broke his leg back in April 2022 against Manchester City. The Northern Ireland star has played 267 times for the club since joining Leeds back in August 2015.

So, it was a delightful sight to see Dallas back in training. Of course, his focus will be continuing to get back to fitness and train all week – something which might take a week or two. But it is a massive step.

It remains unclear when Dallas and Leeds hope the midfielder can return to action – and Farke gave his take on a timescale. He raved about Dallas and reckons the £1.3m signing could be back in a few weeks.

“I am delighted for him. It was a tough road for him. I am quite sure there were darker moments for him. It is tough, you can’t do what you love. Pretty delighted, and happy for him – and the group were too.

“Big boost because he is a brilliant player, on and off. A very important player for me, really experienced. A Leeds legend. It will be a while until he is ready for the games. A few weeks, until he is in my plans.”

Farke says still a few weeks until Dallas plays for Leeds again

Dallas is a massive player for Leeds. A 2020-21 Player of the Season for the club, he has proven he is a Premier League player. In the Championship, he will be excellent. But, we are talking about prime Dallas.

It is going to take a long time for him to come back – or get near that standard. He might struggle to do so. But even a Dallas that is 70% of the player scoring a brace against Manchester City, is still massive.