Michael Boulding and Chris Brandon will play no part in Bradford's opening-day clash with Notts County.
The two summer signings are sidelined due to ankle injuries and although Boulding could soon be in line for his debut, Brandon will have to wait several weeks for his first appearance.
Manager Stuart McCall will also be without current fans' player of the year Joe Colbeck through suspension following his dismissal against MK Dons on the final day of last season.
Paul Heckingbottom is expected to feature after shaking off a thigh injury, while new recruit Paul McLaren has recovered from a dead leg. Both players returned to full training this week.
Fellow new signings, skipper Graeme Lee and goalkeeper Rhys Evans, will make their debuts in front of a big Valley Parade crowd.
Notts County will be without a trio of players.
Gavin Strachan (hamstring), Russell Hoult (leg) and Stephen Hunt (groin) are ruled out with long-term injuries.
Michael Johnson is a doubt with a hamstring problem but he is expected to be passed fit.
Manager Ian McParland will also be able to include strikers Delroy Facey and Sean Canham after they signed in time to feature.
