Cork loses battle to faceWatford
SWANSEA skipper Jack Cork has lost his fitness battle ahead of Saturday’s Premier League clash with Watford.
The midfielder suffered a sprained ankle against West Ham, falling awkwardly after an aerial challenge.
The Swans had been hopeful the 27-year-old would be able to recover in time to take some part in training later this week, and be in the mix for selection against one of his former clubs.
But head coach Paul Clement confirmed the former Southampton man will not be fit in time to face the Hornets, and could also miss the home clash with Stoke a week on Saturday.
“Jack Cork sprained his ankle and he is not going to be fit for this weekend which is disappointing,” said Clement. “He has been a regular since I have been here, everyone else is in good shape.
“Fernando Llorente came on in the second half and had a good training week, everyone else is good.
“I don’t know how long Jack is out for, but it could be two weeks from the injury, so he might be okay for the Stoke game or the one after that.
“He does an important job for us, he has been captain and that is an important role. He will be a loss.”
In Cork’s absence, Leon Britton, Jay Fulton and Ki Sung-yueng are among the options available to Clement if he opts to stick with a three-man midfield.
Britton has not seen a minute of action since Clement’s arrival, but the Swans boss has praised the influence the midfield veteran still has in the dressing room during a tough time.
“Jack will be a loss, however this is a chance for someone to come in,” said Clement.