Midfielder Bobby Pointon remains sidelined for Bradford City as his foot injury continues to heal. Having already missed three games, manager Graham Alexander confirmed that the wait for his return is ongoing.
According to the City boss, Pointon experiences discomfort when putting pressure on his foot, particularly when jumping or changing direction. While jogging in a straight line is manageable, any lateral movements cause pain.
No Rush for Return
Pointon was in top form before his injury, scoring against Birmingham in the Vertu Trophy semi-final and then netting the winner against Bromley. However, Alexander is clear that he will not be rushed back.
“He’s started to jog but he can’t really do anything else at the moment,” said Alexander. “It’s just dragging on longer than we hoped for, and Bobby as well.”
“With where it is in the foot, it’s just impossible to protect it when exercising. He’s going to have to be patient and let it heal in its own time.”
Bradford City remains cautious, ensuring players are not rushed back unless necessary.
Alex Pattison’s Recovery from Surgery
Alex Pattison is also gradually recovering after having his appendix removed. Like Pointon, he has begun light jogging but is avoiding sudden movements as his body heals.
“It’s not any muscle or strain, he’s got a wound on his body that needs time to heal. But he’s feeling really positive and desperate to get back out there.”
Antoni Sarcevic’s Uncertain Timeline
While Alexander is confident that Pointon and Pattison will return soon, Antoni Sarcevic’s situation remains uncertain due to a significant hamstring injury.
“He’s a while away. There’s a bigger timeframe between the best and worst-case scenarios because it’s reasonably significant.”
The club is focused on giving him the best possible recovery time, acknowledging that rushing a hamstring injury can lead to setbacks.
Writer’s View
Bradford City’s injury struggles couldn’t have come at a worse time. Bobby Pointon was one of the team’s standout performers before his injury, and his absence has been noticeable in the team’s attacking play. Given his importance, it makes sense that Alexander is being cautious with his return, as further setbacks could rule him out for even longer.
Alex Pattison’s situation is different, as surgery recovery requires patience. However, his return will provide a much-needed boost in midfield. The biggest concern is Antoni Sarcevic. Hamstring injuries are notoriously tricky, and without a clear timeline, there’s a chance he might not return before the end of the season.
