Leeds United boss Jesse Marsch believes that Patrick Bamford is "going to be okay" after the striker was withdrawn in the first half of their 3-2 victory over Wolverhampton Wanderers on Friday night.
The 28-year-old, who was handed just his second start for the Whites after a six-month injury layoff, was forced off in the 23rd minute at Molineux with a suspected ankle problem after stretching to control a ball.
Marsch admitted that in hindsight he was wrong to start Bamford, who was visibly upset when he made his way to the bench, but he is hopeful that the striker will soon return to first-team action.
"I think he was just so disappointed, because he really wants to help the team. He's such a positive young man and I think he was just so disappointed that he wasn't able to go at 100%," Marsch told Sky Sports.
"We had a long talk about it today and in the end we made the decision with Patrick that we thought he could go but he wasn't quite ready. I thought about even before the game about making a change but he going to be okay."
Bamford was one of four players who were forced off against Wolves, with Diego Llorente and Mateusz Klich also withdrawn in the first half – the latter to concussion – while goalkeeper Illan Meslier came off in the 53rd minute after a collision with Raul Jimenez, with the Wolves forward dismissed for a second bookable offense as a result.
Speaking about Leeds' injuries, Marsch was unable to reveal the severity of them and how long each player could be sidelined for, while he also praised substitutes Sam Greenwood, Charlie Cresswell and Kristoffer Klaesson for their performances at Molineux.
"Llorente has a little bit of a back issue, I don't think that will be too bad. Klich picked up concussion and you could see his face was damaged and then Illan unfortunately a little bit of a hip injury, but how awesome that Kristoffer comes in and plays like that and made some big saves," the American added.
"We got great performances from Sam from Charlie and from Kristoffer, three young guys that also played very well when we played against Man United in the Under-23s game in midweek. I told those guys at half time that I was excited that they were on the pitch and excited for their opportunity so they showed really well."
Back-to-back Premier League victories for Leeds has seen them move seven points clear of the relegation zone, but 18th-placed Watford have a game in hand.
Oliver Thomas
