Bradford City manager Graham Alexander has provided a positive update on the injury front as his side prepare to take on Cheltenham Town in the FA Cup on Saturday.
The Bantams have started fantastically in League One, after securing their promotion from the fourth tier on the final day of last season. Alexander’s side sit second in the standings, a point behind league leaders Stockport – a win in their most recent clash against Lincoln would have sent Bradford top, but they drew the game.
Praising his players following the 0-0 draw, Alexander said: “The will and the want of the players is what pleased me the most. It was a battle. It took me back a few years.”
Now, with a break from league action underway ahead of the FA Cup first round, Alexander issued a positive update regarding Matthew Pennington and Alex Pattison, who both missed Tuesday’s clash with Lincoln, but could be in contention for this weekend’s upcoming trip to Cheltenham.
Graham Alexander issues Bradford City injury update
Alexander told The Yorkshire Post: “Patto trained on Monday, but I want to be sure in my mind he’s fully back. I don’t think training for a day is enough to get back into our team.
“We’ve got Penno (Matthew Pennington) as well. He trained on Friday and Monday, but I knew what type of game it would be and felt he just needed a full week of training and a bit more combative stuff to be fully prepared. Hopefully, there are two or three that will come back into the squad by the next league game and hopefully by Saturday as well.”
There is optimism from Alexander regarding Pattison and Pennington, but he confirmed that Bobby Pointon is set to remain out for a little longer. The young midfielder is continuing to develop into a star for the Bantams and has impressed with five league goals this term.
After being sidelined since early October, Alexander provided an update on his fitness.
“Bobby, a little bit less so, we’re still making sure it’s the right thing,” added the Bantams coach.
Cup break offers an ideal recovery window for Bradford City
While youngster Pointon will remain sidelined for the foreseeable future, the timing of the upcoming FA Cup weekend could prove ideal for Bradford, with more recovery time given to those nursing knocks, while players returning from the sidelines could be given the chance to get back into competitive action.
The Bantams have scored a league-high 23 goals in the third tier thus far, though Alexander will be keen to keep all members of his squad fit to keep the momentum gained after an impressive start to the campaign.
Pattison has made four League One starts this term, and remains a reliable option. Experienced defender Pennington arrived from Blackpool over the summer, and has started all eight league matches that he has been available for.
Saturday’s trip to Cheltenham could provide an ample opportunity for Alexander to ease the pair back into action before they welcome Burton Albion to Valley Parade on November 8th.
