Bradford City have confirmed defender Joe Wright is cleared to re‑join full training on July 7, 2026, while the fitness of Aden Baldwin, Adam Phillips and Stephen Humphrys remains in doubt ahead of the pre‑season clash with Halifax.

Who is fit and who isn’t?

Manager Graham Alexander announced that Wright suffered a minor knee knock during the FC United friendly but has been cleared by the medical team. "He’ll train today and jump straight into full sessions," Alexander said. In contrast, Baldwin is still nursing a recurring calf strain that has sidelined him at the start of every pre‑season for the past two years. The club hopes the issue resolves quickly so he can join the squad on the grass.

Why the cautious approach matters

Alexander stressed the importance of avoiding long‑term absences. "We’d rather they miss two days than two weeks," he explained, noting that missing pre‑season minutes can set a player back in fitness and match sharpness. The medical and sports‑science staff are working closely with Baldwin to manage his calf, but the injury has become a regular hurdle since he joined Bradford City.

Which players could miss the Halifax friendly?

Both Adam Phillips and Stephen Humphrys picked up minor knocks during Saturday’s training. "I’m not sure whether they’ll be fit for Saturday against Halifax," Alexander admitted, adding they should be ready for the following week’s sessions. Their status will be reassessed on a daily basis, with the priority being full recovery rather than rushed returns.

What’s next for the Bantams?

With Wright back, the defensive line gains depth, but the uncertainty surrounding Baldwin, Phillips and Humphrys leaves the manager juggling options. Alexander also mentioned that Jon McCracken is training well, providing additional cover. The team aims to field a strong side against Halifax on July 9, 2026, to fine‑tune tactics before the League One campaign kicks off later in the month.

How will this affect the season start?

A fully fit back‑line is crucial for Bradford City’s ambitions in League One. If Baldwin can recover quickly, the Bantams will have a more settled defence heading into the opening fixtures. Conversely, prolonged absences could force Alexander to rely on less experienced players, potentially impacting early results. The next few weeks will reveal whether the medical team can keep the squad healthy enough to hit the ground running.