Llorente to sit out season’s opener

SWANSEA City manager Paul Clement has confirmed that Fernando Llorente will miss the curtain-raiser against Southampton a week on Saturday.

The Spanish striker (above) is still recuperating from the broken arm he suffered while cycling on holiday this summer.

He was given an outside chance of being involved at St Mary’s, with Clement saying after the friendly win over Birmingham on Saturday that he was “touch and go” for the opener.

And although Clement confirmed that the striker’s protective brace was now off, he has ruled him out of the game against the Saints.

“Fernando’s rehabilitating individually – he has not joined the team training yet,” Clement said.

“But assuming all goes well, we anticipate that happening in the next 10 days.

“I think it is unlikely he will be involved in the first couple of games, but his return will not be long after that.”

Llorente could, then, miss the home tie against Manchester United at the Liberty a week later, meaning youngster Tammy Abrahma will likely lead the line against Jose Mourinho’s men.

“It was always going to be touch and go for the start of the season,” Clement added.

“The most important thing is that we get the arm right. You don’t want him to refracture it and then end up with Fernando needing surgery, because a sixweek injury can then become a six-month injury.”

Llorente’s future has been the subject of speculation over the past six months, with Chelsea and Antonio Conte maintaining an interest in the former Juventus man.

Quizzed about the 32-yearold following the win over Harry Redknapp’s men, Clement said: “It is the same situation as last time (January interest from Chelsea).

“Nothing happened then, he stayed. Fernando is concentrating on getting better, recovering from the injury he received to his arm.”