Bradford City wing-back Lewis Richards is determined to play a role in his team’s promotion chase, opting to delay shoulder surgery until the summer to remain available for selection.
Despite suffering his second shoulder injury in three months during a match against AFC Wimbledon, the 23-year-old is hopeful of returning to action within the next month.
Richards Committed to the Cause
City boss Graham Alexander initially feared Richards would miss the rest of the season after aggravating the injury. However, after undergoing scans, medical staff confirmed that no further damage had been sustained, giving the defender a chance to return before the end of the campaign.
“He had a scan and, to be fair, I thought he was going to be out for the season because it’s the second time he’s done it.
“But the surgeon was really positive. It will take an operation at some point but there’s no need to have it right now.
“There’s no more damage than the last time so it can be a similar sort of scenario to when he was out for three or four weeks and then was back playing.
“But we left it to Lewis. It had to be his choice because it’s his body and he was desperate to stay involved and be back in the group.”
Richards has already resumed light training, taking to the pitch to work individually while he continues his recovery process.
A Career Marked by Determination
Richards’ decision to delay surgery highlights his commitment to the team. The former Wolverhampton Wanderers player has endured several injury setbacks throughout his career but has continued to battle back.
After coming through Brentford’s academy, he moved to Wolves in 2016. Loan spells at Harrogate Town in 2022 provided first-team experience before he signed a permanent deal with Bradford City in 2023.
His time with the Bantams has been disrupted by injuries, including an ankle issue that ruled him out for four months in early 2023 and multiple setbacks this season. Despite this, he remains focused on contributing to City’s promotion push.
Writer’s View
Richards’ decision to delay surgery demonstrates his dedication to the club’s ambitions. With Bradford City pushing for promotion, having a player of his ability available—even for a portion of the run-in—could be crucial. His return would bolster City’s defensive options, and if he can stay fit, he could play a key role in the final stretch of the campaign.
