Leeds United's Premier League survival hopes have, on Sunday night, been dealt a potentially considerable blow, in the form of the latest injury news stemming from the club's camp.
The Peacocks star to have suffered a setback? Patrick Bamford.
Hitman Bamford has of course endured a nightmare campaign to date.
Owing to an unrelenting series of fitness problems, Leeds' star man has managed just ten appearances across all competitions, only seven of which have come in the form of league starts.
This comes after Bamford enjoyed a stellar first season back in the English top-flight last time out, on his way to a head-turning seventeen goals and seven assists.
The English international did manage a return to the pitch earlier this month, but, just three games later, was forced into an early departure from Leeds' meeting with Wolves with a fresh foot issue.
And now, the extent of his latest injury has been revealed.
As per an official statement across the club's social media platforms, Bamford is set for a spell of 'a minimum of six weeks' on the treatment table, after suffering a ruptured plantar fascia:
''Following meetings with consultants earlier this week, we can confirm Patrick Bamford has ruptured his plantar fascia, which is an injury to the sole of the foot. On a positive note, Patrick will not require surgery.''
''Whilst the recovery time for every athlete is different, it is expected that Patrick will be on the side-lines for a minimum of six weeks.''
Phillips amongst returning stars
On the flip side, altogether more positive updates were also provided on a number of other members of Jesse Marsch's Leeds ranks.
The trio of Kalvin Phillips, Liam Cooper and Diego Llorente all marked their returns to first-team training this week, and are therefore, as things stand, in line to feature in the Whites' Premier League meeting with Southampton next weekend.
Star wide-man Raphinha, meanwhile, 'has also joined in', as per the club's statement, after recovering from a bout of illness.
Illan Meslier did spark concern after missing training across the week owing to what was described as 'severe bruising' to his upper thigh and torso alike, but the Frenchman is expected to recover in time to take his place between the posts at Elland Road next Saturday.
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