Bradford City Await Fitness Updates on Will Swan and Kayden Jackson
Bradford City could soon receive a timely boost on the injury front, with Will Swan edging closer to a return while concerns grow over Kayden Jackson’s fitness.
Swan has been sidelined for the past eight matches after being forced off at half-time during City’s home fixture against Cardiff. His absence has been felt, particularly given the energetic and influential start he made to the campaign. However, there is renewed optimism around the striker’s recovery.
The forward is expected to increase his involvement in training, having already taken part in the opening possession drills earlier this week. His gradual reintegration into full sessions signals positive progress and raises hopes that he could soon be back in contention for selection.
City manager Graham Alexander provided an encouraging update, explaining that Swan has spent the past week working closely with the club’s medical staff. After participating in part of Wednesday’s training, the striker reportedly felt “great,” prompting plans to further intensify his workload in the coming days.
Alexander also highlighted the importance of the upcoming full week of training, which will allow certain players to recover while giving others, like Swan, the opportunity to build match fitness. The timing could prove crucial, especially with uncertainty surrounding Kayden Jackson.
Jackson is scheduled to undergo a knee scan, and there are fears he may be forced out of the squad depending on the results. Should that happen, Swan’s return would provide a much-needed attacking reinforcement.
Alexander emphasised Swan’s value to the team, noting the impact he has whether starting matches or coming off the bench. The manager pointed to the striker’s explosive beginning to the season, when he scored six goals in the opening month and quickly became a fan favourite.
Although Swan has found the net just once since — a decisive winner at Blackpool early last month — his early contributions demonstrated the quality and threat he brings to City’s attack.
During Swan’s spell on the sidelines, the club bolstered its forward line with the arrivals of Jackson, Ethan Wheatley, and Paul Mullin. Increased competition for places now awaits Swan upon his return, but Alexander believes the entire squad is thriving on that competitive edge.
The manager described the current mood within the dressing room as highly motivated, with every player eager to be involved as the club pushes forward in what he called an “exciting time” in the season. According to Alexander, Swan is the only player to have missed a significant period recently, and he is working diligently with the coaching and medical staff to regain the required standards.
While there is still work to be done before Swan is fully match-ready, all signs point to a positive return on the horizon — one that could not come at a better time for Bradford City.
