Bantams boss provides update on Callum Johnson's calf injury

The summer signing is yet to kick a ball for the club and faces a lengthy absence with a calf issue.

Graham Alexander admitted it could be “December or January” before Johnson is able to return – but insists they will not add any pressure by trying to set a timescale.

Alexander said: “We were chasing a date with him originally, saying four weeks, seven weeks, eight weeks. But we’ve stopped it with this one.

“Let’s just treat him day by day, week by week and not put down any target dates. Then there’s no trepidation or disappointment if he didn’t make it.

“Let’s give the player whatever time he needs to get back to full fitness.”

Johnson had hoped to feature in a recent game behind closed doors but suffered a setback that ruled him out.

It is another blow for the defender, who missed most of the second half of last season at Mansfield with an injured hamstring.

“He obviously has disappointing days because he’s really frustrated,” added Alexander.

“He wanted to come in and put the past year and a half behind him.

“He might feel it’s still there but we’ve spoke to him a lot and he’s had good advice from medical people that this is completely separate from his past.

“We just have to get him back up to speed physically first, integrate him back into the training and try and get him on the pitch working with the boys as soon as possible.

“We’re not going to rush it because he’s spent too much time on the sidelines in the last 18 months already.”

Alexander and the coaching staff hope to keep Johnson involved with the squad with a few backroom tasks while he continues his rehab.

“We gave him a few days off when we got the result of the latest scan. It was a bit of a blow for him and for us.

“We let him digest that information and told him not to come into training or put on a football kit at home. Just spend some time getting your head round it.

“We’ve got other ideas about giving him a couple of tasks on the analysis side. We’ve done that in the past with long-term injuries or players who’ve been out a while.

Graham Alexander has plans to get Callum Johnson involved (Image: Tom Pearson)

“It keeps them involved and if we win a game and he’s given us a bit of information or analysis, then he’s played his part in it.

“We’ll do that when we feel the time is right.

“It’s disappointing for any player to be injured but coming here he felt like it was a fresh start.

“We’re always saying about carrying the history round and I don’t want him to do that.

“But it’s difficult because you can’t wipe it away and I understand that.

“It is a separate injury not connected with before. But sometimes when you have an injury, you put more pressure on other parts of your body to protect it and it can become like a vicious circle.

“We’ll do everything we can to help him get back to full fitness. But it’s obviously a disappointing episode for everybody because he’s the only guy who’s not played a part for us on the pitch this season.”