Tyreik Wright could feature for Bradford City before the end of the season as the Bantams look to find their footing ahead of the playoffs.
Losses against Stevenage and Burton Albion have put a slight dampener on City’s form in their final matches of the season, costing them the chance to capitalise on Cardiff City‘s own failures and try and mount a late-season challenge for second place.
Alexander Delivers Wright Update
One key figure who has been missing across recent weeks is Tyreik Wright, with the wing-back in fine form prior to an injury which saw him miss out on Bradford’s last three League One games.
His absence has led to a rejig of the backline at Valley Parade, with Ibou Touray playing in a more advanced role on the left-hand side rather than sitting in as a centre-back alongside Curtis Tilt and Aden Baldwin.
Speaking to the Telegraph and Argus ahead of their away trip to Yorkshire rivals Barnsley, City boss Graham Alexander said that Wright was still some way off of making a return to the starting eleven.
“He was out on the grass last week. (Head of medical) Bobby (Scarborough) likes to do that quite quickly with players and Tyreik’s history from coming back from injury is always ahead of schedule.
“But it’s still going to be a few weeks yet. The original diagnosis was for a bit of a longer period. We’re hoping to get him back before the end of the season if possible.
“If we do, it’s a really good position to be in but if not, we’ve still got really players who are already in the team now.”
With four games of their regular season remaining, including a clash against fellow playoff chasers Plymouth Argyle and Bolton Wanderers, the Bantams’ hopes to secure a second-leg home tie in their playoff semi-final hang in the balance with fifth-placed Stockport County having two games in hand.
Wright’s Absence Harms City Chances
Despite never being a true standout in his time at Bradford City, Tyreik Wright has slowly worked to become one of the first names on Graham Alexander’s team sheets, and in recent games it has been clear the side have missed his presence.
With three goals in his previous four games before injury cost him the chance to play Northampton Town, Wright provided a clear goal threat, something City have lacked after their January business to sign both Ethan Wheatley and Paul Mullin has largely backfired.
His loss has led to a big shift at the back too, which has harmed their attacking danger. While Ibou Touray’s performances have been outstanding in his old position at left-wing-back, the Gambian international is lacking the final product which could have changed their fortunes in the loss against Stevenage at the weekend.
Between Wright’s injury and the worries over Bobby Pointon after his early substitution against the Boro, Bradford may lack a crucial edge in their final matches and as a result harm their shot at a home advantage in the playoffs.
