Bradford City manager Graham Alexander has given a positive injury update ahead of his team’s FA Cup clash with Cheltenham Town on Saturday.
The Bantams have made a strong start to their League One campaign following last season’s promotion from League Two. Currently second in the table, just a point behind leaders Stockport, Bradford drew 0-0 with Lincoln in their latest match, a result that had they won would have seen them move to the top of the standings.
Reflecting on that game, Alexander said: “The will and the desire of the players impressed me the most. It was a battle—it reminded me of games from a few years back.”
With a break in league action for the FA Cup, Alexander offered updates on Matthew Pennington and Alex Pattison, both of whom missed the Lincoln match but could be available for Saturday.
He told The Yorkshire Post: “Patto trained on Monday, but I want to be certain he’s fully ready. One day of training isn’t enough to bring him back into the team. Penno trained on Friday and Monday, but given the type of game, he needed a full week of training and some combative work to be properly prepared. Hopefully, two or three players will return to the squad for the next league match, and possibly by Saturday as well.”
While there is optimism for Pattison and Pennington, Alexander confirmed that Bobby Pointon will remain sidelined for a little longer. The young midfielder has impressed with five league goals this season but has been out since early October. “Bobby, a little bit less so, we’re still making sure it’s the right thing,” Alexander added.
The FA Cup break offers Bradford an ideal chance to give injured players extra recovery time and gradually reintroduce those returning from the sidelines. The Bantams have scored a league-high 23 goals so far, and Alexander will want to keep his squad fit to maintain their early-season momentum.
Pattison has made four League One starts this season and remains a reliable option, while experienced defender Pennington, who joined from Blackpool over the summer, has started all eight matches he’s been available for. Saturday’s trip to Cheltenham could provide a good opportunity to ease them back into action ahead of the home game against Burton Albion on November 8.