Leeds United head coach Marcelo Bielsa admits that he is 'worried' about Patrick Bamford's injury concerns and he is unsure when the striker will return to action.
The 28-year-old has made just eight appearances across all competitions this term, and has played for just 22 minutes since September 17 due to ankle, hamstring and foot injuries, with the latter the latest problem he is recovering from.
Bielsa has confirmed to the press ahead of Wednesday's Premier League trip to Aston Villa that Bamford remains sidelined and he has expressed his concern for the Englishman's fitness.
"He has not played for 15 games now. How can I not worry?," the Argentine boss told reporters.
"Bamford has not improved. He continues to have a problem at the bottom of his foot and he hasn't started jogging, so his situation continues the same way.
"Bamford has an injury where you cannot predict when he will return because it depends on the pain going away so that he can start jogging.
"Since he got the injury, the pain has not gone away. Of course he is going through the necessary treatment for the injury he has."
Bielsa is also having to cope without club captain Liam Cooper, Kalvin Phillips and Junior Firpo; however, star winger Raphinha is set to be available after shaking off a minor injury sustained on international duty with Brazil.
Jamie Shackleton, Adam Forshaw and Charlie Cresswell, who all missed the 1-0 defeat against Newcastle United last time out, are also in contention to return to the matchday squad in midweek.
Oliver Thomas
