Bamford, James and Summerville – Leeds United injury round-up ahead of Norwich semi-final

Leeds United’s preparations for their Championship play-off semi-final against Norwich City will be well under way as they look to secure a place at Wembley.

The Whites make the journey to Carrow Road having not lost in East Anglia since April 2018. But the lottery of the knockout phase of the season is one that has not been to kind to Leeds, having failed to secure promotion in their last five play- off campaigns.

Daniel Farke’s side ended the regular term with a defeat to Southampton at Elland Road, finishing six points behind Ipswich Town who joined Leicester City in the automatic promotion spots. But the Leeds boss has said he is hopeful of seeing some of his players return for ‘the three finals’, having missed the likes of Patrick Bamford and Daniel James in recent weeks.

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Will any of the Whites’ injured players return to action for their play-off campaign? Here is the latest news from the Thorp Arch treatment room and potential return dates for those who are currently sidelined.

Patrick Bamford

The striker has missed the last two league games with a bruised knee, which included the Whites’ away defeat to Queens Park Rangers to gift Leicester City promotion. The 30-year-old will be hopeful of making a return to the Leeds side against a team he was on loan with for the second half of the 2015/16 campaign.

What Farke said after Southampton: “Hopefully, there’s also a chance Patrick Bamford will return to the group because we also desperately need these types of players who, especially Patrick in the second half of the season, played a crucial role.”

Return dates: Norwich (H) – May 16

Daniel James

The Wales international suffered an oblique abdominal tear in their 4-3 triumph at Middlesbrough at the end of last month, and has missed the last two league games. He has played more than 40 times for the Whites this season, scoring 13 goals and registering seven assists.

What Farke said after Southampton: Hopefully, there’s also a chance Daniel James will return to the group because we also desperately need these types of players who, especially Patrick in the second half of the season, played a crucial role, Daniel James, over the whole season.”

Return dates: Norwich (A) – May 12

Crysencio Summerville

While the attacker played the full duration of their final day defeat to the Saints, the Leeds boss was left squirming in his seat at the possibility of losing his top scorer for the play-offs. The 22-year-old was the recipient of a late tackle by Kamaldeen Sulemana.

What Farke said after Southampton: “Overall, I hope the first assessment of Cree was not too bad. When you see a foul against Piroe, this scene, I’m happy it’s not a broken ankle for Summerville. Nasty and dirty foul against him. Hope he is okay.”

Return dates: Norwich City (A) – May 12

Pascal Struijk

The centre-back has not featured since suffering a groin injury in the defeat at Preston North End on Boxing Day. Leeds have missed his aerial prowess from set pieces and leadership in the run-in, with Farke further backing up that claim.

Struijk went under the knife in March and will not be available for selection again until next season.