Leeds United are set to be boosted by the return of two key players as club captain Ethan Ampadu and striker Patrick Bamford near full fitness following injury layoffs.
Both have remained at Thorp Arch over the international break and are expected to rejoin full training ahead of the season’s final stretch, as Daniel Farke’s side chase promotion back to the Premier League.
Key duo closing in on comeback
Thirty-one-year-old Bamford has been sidelined since January with a hamstring injury but has stepped up his conditioning work over the past fortnight. The striker is now back in contention to feature in upcoming fixtures, providing valuable experience up front as Leeds prepare for a challenging run-in.
Ampadu has missed five games after sustaining a knee injury in February. While surgery was considered, Leeds opted for a non-invasive rehabilitation plan, and there is growing optimism that the Welsh international will return sooner than initially feared.
“There’s a good chance that if the rehab programme works in the proper way, that this will be successful,” said Farke earlier this month. “Fingers crossed… then we have him available for at least the run-in.”
The 24-year-old was not included in the Wales squad during the international window and instead remained with the Leeds medical staff to accelerate his recovery. He is slightly behind Bamford in terms of readiness but could feature in the coming weeks.
Farke is likely to rely on both players’ leadership and experience during the season’s final eight games, with Ampadu anchoring the midfield and Bamford offering competition to Joel Piroe in attack.
Ethan Ampadu Career
Ampadu, born in Exeter, began his career at Exeter City, making his debut at just 15 years old and breaking Cliff Bastin’s 87-year record. He joined Chelsea in 2017, where he became the first player born in the 2000s to play for the senior team.
After limited opportunities, he went on loan spells to RB Leipzig, Sheffield United, Venezia, and Spezia, where he gained valuable experience. In July 2023, Ampadu signed for Leeds United for £7 million. He quickly became an integral part of the team and was named club captain in July 2024.
Writer’s view
Leeds fans will welcome the news of Ampadu and Bamford returning to training. Both bring valuable know-how to a side entering the business end of the campaign. While Joel Piroe and Mateo Joseph offer youthful promise, Bamford’s availability could prove crucial, particularly in tight matches. Ampadu’s return to midfield could be equally influential in dictating Leeds’ tempo and resilience in high-pressure encounters.
