Jamie Lawrence is out of Bradford City's plans until the New Year - and Lee Sharpe may not be ready until Christmas.

City's long-term crocks both face a lengthy wait until they can push their claims for a first-team recall.

But David Wetherall was due to train with City as normal today after spending Friday in talks with Southampton.

Wetherall, who had picked up a knock in training, missed the 2-2 draw with Crewe for discussions with the Premiership strugglers over a deal believed to be around £1.25m.

But sources at the Hampshire club have claimed the move may not happen because they are concerned over Wetherall's recent injury record.

Meanwhile, Lawrence and Sharpe are trying to hide the frustration of their enforced inactivity.

Lawrence said: "Sharpey and I weren't getting in the team anyway. But with the way the results have been going it would have been the ideal time to get a chance to play."

Lawrence, who broke his arm playing for Jamaica against USA, had a groin operation and is currently barely able to walk.

Sharpe has started light fitness work after his knee operation but is still some way off proper training following a setback.

Sharpe said: "I've been running up and down the stands at Valley Parade. It's a matter of not doing too much to aggravate the tendon but doing enough to keep progressing and getting fit.

"But when you get told it will take six to eight weeks and it could end up being three months, it's not the best - especially when the team have been up and down.

"I've juggled a ball in the gym but hopefully by the end of the week I can kick one properly again. Maybe next week I might be able to join in with the lads.

"I'd hopefully like to start playing again next month but we'll have to see how it goes."

Lawrence, who rejected a move to Paul Jewell's Wigan in the summer, said: "It's been a terrible year for me with injuries. I've played more games for Jamaica than I have for Bradford so my luck's got to change.

"Hopefully soon I can get on the bike again and maybe do some running by the end of the month."

City physio Steve Redmond is keeping his fingers crossed.

He said: "Lee's not out of the woods yet but things are brighter than they were a few weeks ago when he had a slight setback.

"Jamie is feeling a lot of discomfort after major groin surgery. But it was something we thought should be done while he had the fractured arm so the two can heal together."