Although Bridges made one pre-season appearance following a near three-year injury nightmare, and despite his desire to make a full-time return, boss Peter Reid chose a different approach.
"I was advised by the medical and fitness staff to build up his whole body because he had been breaking down with certain injuries," confirmed Reid.
"I was advised by the medical and fitness staff to build up his whole body because he had been breaking down with certain injuries," confirmed Reid.
"We were told to specifically work on the tone of his body, the core strength, so he's had two weeks now where he's been doing a lot of gym work and he's been on a new diet.
"Even though I've been really keen to get him involved, we've got to look at the long-term picture, and it's looking as though it's working.
"He's worked really hard for two weeks and his running looks terrific, so he then joined us on Monday for full training which is a massive boost for all concerned.
"Because of the international break he's now another two weeks to get himself ready, so we will have a look at him in training and go from there."