Patrick Bamford provides detailed fitness update after Leeds United exertions at Fulham left him 'in a pickle'

Bamford took his place in the Whites starting line up for last Friday night's Premier League clash at Craven Cottage despite having experienced pain in his hip during the week.

The Whites no 9 had been forced off in the 35th minute of the previous weekend's goalless draw at home to high-flying Chelsea having become injured when jumping for a challenge with Antonio Rudiger.

Whites head coach Marcelo Bielsa then said three days later that he thought Bamford would be fit to face Fulham, although Bamford has since revealed that he had his doubts about Bielsa's prediction.

The 27-year-old striker then had a fitness test with fitness coach Benoit Delaval on the morning of the game and lined up against Fulham before scoring the opening goal in a 2-1 victory.

Bamford appeared to be struggling in the first half and eventually went to ground for treatment in the 77th minute before coming off, 19 minutes after providing the assist for Raphinha's winner.

Speaking on the Official Leeds United Podcast, Bamford revealed he then went for a scan on Monday but provided a positive update as to his condition ahead of United's return to action next weekend.

Eleventh-placed Leeds will continue their Premier League season after the current March international break with next Saturday's clash against rock bottom Sheffield United at Elland Road.

"To be honest, two days after the game I was struggling to walk," said Bamford, reflecting on his exertions against Fulham.

"I was in a right pickle. I'm a little bit better now.

"I went into the game and I know Marcelo said in the press conference the day before that I would be fit and expected to play.

"But I didn't think I was going to be able to play until I did the fitness test at the hotel on the morning of the game.

"Even then I thought I am going to struggle here.

"The fitness coach was like 'no, no, no you will be alright'.

"I was like 'no Beni, I am struggling a bit here' and he was like 'no, trust me, you will be fine.'

"It was kind of one of them where in my head I thought there is no way I am going to be able to play this game.

"But I am glad that they pushed me through it because once the adrenalin kicked in and everything kind of worked out the way it did, it was a good job I did play."

Asked how he was feeling now, Bamford said: "Okay. My calf is sore but there wasn't any tear or anything.

"It's a bit of overuse, basically over compensating so it will be alright.

"To be fair, we had Saturday, Sunday and Monday off so I rested then, had the scan Monday, went in for a bit of treatment and then I have had treatment the last two days and I think I will probably train at the back end of this week.

"They have given me a few days to try and settle it down a bit."

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Thank you Laura Collins