Bradford City hopeful Joe Wright will resume training after specialist eye assessment
Bradford City are optimistic that defender Joe Wright will soon receive medical clearance to return to training after suffering an unusual eye injury that has temporarily sidelined him.
The experienced centre-back did not travel with the Bantams squad for their pre-season training camp in Austria as he continues his recovery. Instead, Wright is scheduled to attend a second appointment with an eye specialist, with the club eagerly awaiting positive news that could allow him to rejoin full training.
Manager Graham Alexander remains hopeful that the defender will be given the green light to return when the squad returns from Austria.
“The medical staff are with us, so Joe will see the specialist and we’re hoping he’ll get the approval to begin training again on Monday,” Alexander explained.
He also stressed the importance of exercising caution due to the sensitive nature of the injury.
“When it comes to your eyes, there’s no room for taking risks. It’s such a delicate area, so we have to trust the specialists and follow their advice completely.”
Alexander went on to explain how the freak accident occurred during a training session ahead of Bradford City’s pre-season friendly against Accrington Stanley. The injury happened during a physical challenge involving striker Will Swan.
“It was a really bizarre incident,” the City boss said. “Swanny’s finger somehow went right behind Joe’s eyeball during the challenge.”
According to Alexander, the incident was so severe that Swan himself was left shaken by what had happened.
“Even Swanny said he felt it happen and was feeling sick afterwards because he couldn’t believe how far his finger had gone in.”
While the injury was painful for Wright, Alexander also revealed that the defender had previously experienced an issue involving the same eye during his childhood, making the club even more determined to proceed with caution before allowing him back onto the training pitch.
Bradford City are now awaiting the specialist’s verdict, with hopes that Wright will be cleared to resume training and continue his preparations for the upcoming season.
