Bradford City manager Gary Bowyer has been speaking to the media today ahead of their home game against Swindon Town on Saturday and has confirmed Matt Palmer will be out of action. 

Palmer who has been a mainstay in the Bradford team this season, appearing in all eleven league fixtures won't be available this weekend as Bradford look to leapfrog 5th placed opponents Swindon Town this weekend.

Bowyer when asked about the injury said: "It's a big blow for the lad and for us as a club. Matty was starting to come into his own and show the form he was during pre-season."

It is a blow undoubtedly for the Bantams who have picked up their form of late with one defeat in their last five and Palmer's absence will be a tough one to fill.

An experienced midfielder who is at the heart of Bowyer's side will have to be adequately replaced for what is a tough fixture at the weekend.

Palmer, on-loan from Rotherham United has become an important player for the bantams and the quality he brings will be hugely missed whilst he's out.

Bowyer will be hoping that the 24-year-old can return to the first-team fold at the earliest of opportunities, so that he can play his part in their promotion bid this season.

The Verdict

Without Palmer, Bowyer will have to try and make the necessary changes to limit the impact of losing a key part of his team.

Bradford will be hoping that other players can step up and perform in Palmer's absence particularly in such a big fixture like the one on Saturday.

They'll be keen to pick up a win against one of their promotion rivals this season, and Swindon will be one of their toughest tests of the season so far.