How long until the wounded Swans return?
GRAHAM Potter was forced to shuffle the pack for Swansea City’s Championship clash with Leeds United with his side’s injury problems continuing to mount.
Martin Olsson and Joe Rodon are both currently sidelined with longterm injuries while Wayne Routledge, captain Leroy Fer and Declan John have also had problems of late.
Star striker Oli McBurnie is another whose impact on the pitch has been limited in recent weeks.
The Scot has been struggling with an illness, a problem that has seen him start Swansea’s last two games on the bench.
So ahead of the FA Cup fifth round clash with Brentford at the Liberty Stadium tomorrow (4pm), we took a closer look at when we can expect the Swans’ injured stars to return to action and the side Potter could potentially select to face the Bees.
What has Graham Potter said? Leroy Fer (hamstring)
The captain was forced off in the opening stages of Swansea’s dramatic 3-3 draw with Birmingham on what was his 100th appearance for the club.
He came close to leaving the Swans on transfer deadline day, with Lille, Aston Villa and Fenerbahce among those linked with a swoop for the Dutchman, although a move never materialised.
Fer has not featured for Swansea since that draw with Garry Monk’s side, and he is not expected to return to training until after the visit of Brentford.
Swansea City v Bolton (March 2)
Wayne Routledge (calf )
The experienced winger was withdrawn at half time in the win over Sheffield United due to a calf injury.
And Routledge subsequently missed the games against Gillingham, Birmingham and Bristol City.
He returned to action against Millwall but was left out of the squad for the clash with Leeds after having further complications with his calf.
Routledge will miss the clash with Brentford.
Sheffield Wednesday v Swansea City (February 23)
Declan John (ankle)
The Wales international struggled for regular game time in the opening half of the season but has played a more prominent role in recent weeks.
John featured against Gillingham, Bristol City and Millwall but suffered an ankle injury against the latter which ruled him out of the clash with Leeds.
He is unavailable to face Brentford.
Sheffield Wednesday v Swansea City (February 23)
Nathan Dyer (hamstring)
The winger was an unused substitute against Leeds on Wednesday night but has had a slight hamstring problem in the buildup to the visit of Brentford.
He could yet be involved to face the Bees, although it appears unlikely Potter will take the risk of using the experienced winger given that he has other options at his disposal on the flanks.
Sheffield Wednesday v Swansea City (February 23)
Oli McBurnie (illness)
The forward started on the bench in Swansea’s last two league matches against Millwall and Leeds having also missed matches against Aston Villa and Preston in January.
Speaking after the defeat to Leeds at Elland Road, Potter admitted McBurnie’s welfare was at the forefront of his mind when it came to making the decision to name the striker among the substitutes.
And ahead of the visit of the Bees, Potter revealed McBurnie’s condition is improving.
a part against Brentford Should play
Joe Rodon (broken metatarsal)
The centre-back limped off the pitch just 20 minutes into Swansea’s 1-0 win over Sheffield United at the Liberty Stadium last month.
Speaking after the triumph against the Blades, Potter stated that Rodon would be out of action for six weeks having broken a metatarsal.
The Welshman had an operation ahead of the 4-1 FA Cup fourth round win over Gillingham, with Potter then stating that the youngster would be out for between six to eight weeks. Nottingham Forest v Swansea City (March 30) at