Leeds United and Marcelo Bielsa rocked by fresh injury blow ahead of Newcastle United clash

Leeds United will be without key striker Patrick Bamford for the visit of Newcastle United on Saturday.

The one-capped England international has featured for Marcelo Bielsa’s side just once since the 1-1 draw at St James’ Park earlier in the season.

Bamford, however, was tipped to return this weekend, though Bielsa revealed the 28-year-old has suffered a fresh injury problem.

“Bamford has a new injury at the bottom of his foot,” said Bielsa.

“He’s overcome his muscular problems but now he has an issue at the bottom of his foot.”

Meanwhile, the Whites head coach also confirmed Adam Foreshaw and Junior Firpo have muscular problems.

Both players were forced to depart as Leeds ran out 3-2 winners at West Ham United last time out.

Indeed, Leeds’ injury list has been mounting for weeks on end.

Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper, Jamie Shackleton, Joe Gelhardt, Tyler Roberts, Sam Greenwood and Charlie Cresswell are also sidelined.

Bielsa also discussed Eddie Howe’s start as Newcastle boss.

Since arriving in November, Howe has won one of his 10 games in charge, and Bielsa insists the 43-year-old is doing a “positive” job.

Bielsa added: “He’s found a system, a habitual group of players and leven which repeats itself regularly.

“He’s evened the team out in all of the games, they have been close to every opponent in all of the games they’ve played.

“This all talks positively about the job that he is doing.”