Clement plays down Bony fears

SWANSEA City boss Paul Clement has moved to allay any fears over Wilfried Bony’s fitness despite admitting the striker asked to come off in the 4-0 defeat to Manchester City.

The Ivory Coast international was withdrawn after playing 74 minutes against the club from whom he rejoined Swansea in the summer of £12million.

With Tammy Abraham already on the field, midfielder Leroy Fer was sent on in his place as the Swans became the latest side to be taught a football lesson by the runaway Premier League leaders.

On a couple of occasions during the second half, Bony could be seen stretching off during breaks in play.

The 29-year-old had played the full 90 minutes in each of Swansea’s previous four fixtures following his return from over a month on the sideline with hamstring and calf issues.

And, while Bony did ask to come off, Clement insisted it was mainly a precautionary measure taken with the number of upcoming fixtures over the busy Christmas period in mind.

“He’s not injured but he felt it (his leg) getting tight and it was a precaution,” said the head coach.

“It was the right thing to do. We’ve got some critical games coming up where we need him fit. He asked to come off.”

He added: “Games like that aren’t and won’t define our season, it’s other games and I include Everton away in that and absolutely Crystal Palace at home on the 23rd. That’s really what we’ve got to focus on now.”