Obafemi boost for Swans on they go for third win in row
MICHAEL Obafemi will return to Swansea City’s matchday squad for their clash with Birmingham City this weekend.
The striker has not been involved since the dramatic 3-3 draw with Luton Town at Kenilworth Road due to ongoing muscle problems.
He has been training since the most recent international break and is set to be included in the travelling party - along with Ryan Manning - for today’s contest with Lee Bowyer’s side at St Andrew’s Trillion Trophy Stadium, although Flynn Downes will be assessed after sustaining a hamstring issue.
“Michael Obafemi is back in the squad which is good news,” said the head coach.
“He’s trained really well this week so he’s back to where he feels he needs to be and we feel he should be to get on to the pitch.
“I think it’s important we don’t bring him back too quickly and risk re-injuring him. He’s missed quite a lot of pre-season, he didn’t have a pre-season here.
“He played 90 minutes at Luton, felt something then trained again and we had to take him out of training. It’s been really important that we just get him right physically.
“I want him back as quickly as possible but there’s a long-term plan here and we have to let our heads rule our hearts and not be emotional about it and make sure that the brilliant sports science and medical team are listened to.
“He’s back in the squad and in a really good place.”
Rhys Williams made his first Swansea appearance in almost a month last time out as he replaced Ben Cabango late on in the 2-1 triumph over West Brom.
The defender was allegedly racially abused at Luton on September 18 and was offered support from those at the club, while he also picked up a minor injury that ensured he has struggled to force his way into Martin’s starting XI.
“He’s been good. He’s responded brilliantly. He had a tough week or two after what happened at Luton, then Brighton was a difficult evening. He showed great bravery to come out and play straight away,” admitted Martin.
“After that he’s recovered really well.
“We’ve had a lot of chats, Liverpool sent their loan manager down and he’s been really impressed with what he’s seen and the way Rhys has trained and worked. It’s part of every young player’s journey, sometimes you have to be patient.
“He only came out of the team in
the first place because he had a tight groin. He’s found it really hard to come back in because the boys have played so well, and he understands that.
“He’s trained with a smile on his face and he deserved to get on the pitch [vs West Brom] to help us see the game out.”
Swansea go into the clash with Birmingham having claimed back-toback wins for the first time under the current regime.
On the flip side, the Blues have not won any of their last seven league outings while they have failed to score in each of their previous six Championship matches.
And having defeated both Cardiff City and West Brom on home soil this week, Martin admits his side are in the perfect frame of mind.
“Not just the players, but all of the staff around the training ground seem to be happy and enjoying the atmosphere and what we’re trying to build which is brilliant,” he explained.
“We’ll have to try and keep that going on the pitch, it certainly helps with results. It’s been a really good week so far and we have a chance to turn it into a brilliant week tomorrow.”