Bradford City manager Graham Alexander has provided an updated and cautiously optimistic assessment regarding the fitness of two important players, Bobby Pointon and Tyreik Wright, as the club prepares for a crucial League One play-off semi-final against Bolton Wanderers.
Both players are reportedly eager and highly motivated to feature in the upcoming first leg of the tie. However, their availability remains uncertain as they continue to recover from recent injuries. Pointon has been unavailable for the team’s last four matches due to an ankle injury, while Wright has been sidelined with a muscle strain picked up during a match against Burton Albion on March 21. Notably, Wright had been in strong form before his setback, having scored three goals in four matches.
Alexander explained that both players have recently taken part in partial training sessions over the last couple of days, but their readiness is still not at the level the coaching staff would ideally prefer. He stressed that their recovery is progressing, but not ahead of schedule, and therefore requires careful monitoring as the decisive fixtures approach.
With only a few days remaining before Saturday’s first leg at the Toughsheet Community Stadium, Alexander emphasised that the medical and coaching staff will continue to assess both players daily. He also noted that the situation is complicated by the fact that both matches in the two-legged tie are close together, meaning any decision about involvement must take into account short recovery windows.
The manager also highlighted the importance of honesty and communication from the players regarding their physical condition, while expressing confidence in their professionalism and commitment. Although both players are determined to play, the final decision will depend on whether they are fully fit and able to contribute effectively without risking further injury.
Beyond these two concerns, Alexander confirmed that there are no additional injury problems within the squad following their recent victory over Exeter City, a result that secured Bradford City’s place in the play-offs. He reported a positive training environment, with a full group of players available and no one currently isolated in the treatment room.
Looking ahead, the first leg of the semi-final against Bolton is scheduled for Saturday evening, with kick-off at 8pm. The return fixture will take place a week later on Thursday, May 14, with Bradford City hosting the second leg at home—marking a significant occasion as it is their first home second-leg semi-final since the introduction of the play-offs four decades ago.
The upcoming double-header is now set up as a decisive moment in Bradford City’s season, with fitness updates on Pointon and Wright remaining one of the key storylines in the build-up.
