Log In

Reset Password

Wells fit to face Gillingham

Fully fit: Nahki Wells

Bradford City striker Nahki Wells has been declared fit for the Bantams home league clash with fellow promotion hopefuls Gillingham at Valley Parade tomorrow.The 22-year old Bermudian injured his groin during his team’s away league match with Fleetwood Town last weekend while stretching for the ball early in the second half and was subsequently replaced five minutes before the end.Since then, however, Wells has made a speedy recovery and has been given the thumbs up to contend for a place in Bradford’s lineup for tomorrow’s encounter with the Gills.Bradford’s leading goalscorer trained with his team mates yesterday in preparation for their next match.“There is no problem with Nahki now,” said Bantams assistant coach Steve Parkin on the club’s website. "He is fine and he's trained with us today (Thursday)."Wells has been in good form this season, banging in 18 goals to date, including one from the penalty spot in his team’s 3-1 away loss to Gillingham earlier during the 2012-13 campaign.Earlier this week the striker addressed concerns over his health.“It’s just a groin strain and the physio seems to believe it’s not too concerning yet,” he told The Royal Gazette.Prior to being substitute Wells scored a stunning free kick from 25 yards to extend his superb goal scoring form that has reportedly captured the attention of several Championship clubs, including Leeds, Wolves and Huddersfield Town.While Wells looks set to resume playing the same cannot be said for team mate Rory McArdle who picked up an ankle injury in last weekend’s match with the Cod Army at Highbury Stadium. The defender left the ground on crutches and wearing a protective boot after twisting his ankle in the first half.According to a club report, the swelling around McArdle’s left ankle has “all but gone” and he was due to undergo a scan yesterday to determine the extent of his injury which is expected to rule him out of Bradford’s upcoming match with the Gills at Coral Windows Stadium.Meanwhile, McArdle's fellow defender, James Meredith, returned to the training ground this week after a month-long rest following a recent bout of glandular fever.The Australian's energy levels are improving but he has yet to make a return to full training, according to club reports.Last month saw the Bantams become the first fourth tier side to reach a major English domestic cup final in 51 years after prevailing 4-3 on aggregate against Premier rivals Aston Villa in the two-legged League Cup semi-final.Bradford won the first encounter 3-1 at Valley Parade with Wells scoring the game’s opening goal. Villa won the second 2-1 at Villa Park but ultimately came up short on aggregate.The Bantams will face Premier side Swansea in the League Cup final on February 24 at Wembley Stadium.En route the final Bradford also claimed the Premier scalps of Wigan Athletic and Arsenal in exciting penalty shootouts.Wells is bidding to become only the third Bermudian behind Shaun Goater and Kyle Lightbourne to play in a cup final at the iconic stadium.