New signings Borja Baston and Alfie Mawson could both make their debuts for Swansea City against Chelsea this weekend.
Forward Baston has been a Swansea player since mid-August, but picked up a thigh injury in training that has ruled him out of the club’s opening three Premier League games.
Mawson was signed from Barnsley just before transfer deadline day, and it has been revealed that he may feature in Sunday’s game.
Baston ready to start?
Record signing Baston handed Swansea a major fitness boost last week by returning to full training, ahead of this weekend’s game.
“Borja has stepped up his recovery and now has rejoined the full group on the training field.” Said boss Francesco Guidolin on Friday.
The manager also revealed that the former Atletico Madrid forward is progressing well and if things continue as they are, he is confident that he will be available for when Chelsea visit the Liberty Stadium.
The news will be a huge boost to players and fans, who both need a lift after successive losses to Hull City and Leicester City.
Swansea’s other striker signing, 6’4” Fernando Llorente hasn’t broken his duck in a Swansea uniform yet, despite the Welsh side putting in more crosses than any other Premier League side bar Crystal Palace.
Mawson may also feature
Mawson was signed by Swansea with a view to him being the long-term successor to the departed Ashley Williams, but he may feature sooner than many would expect.
Swansea’s Head of Recruitment, Dave Leadbitter spoke to the Barnsley Chronical and said: “Mawson is capable and I am sure he will be involved in our next match against Chelsea.”
In the same interview, Leadbitter also revealed that the club also liked former Barnsley defenders John Stones and Mason Holgate, but opted against signing the pair because they weren’t looking for defenders at that time.
Mawson made 45 appearances in League One last season for Barnsley, and has also played four times in the Championship for The Reds after they won promotion.
Federico Fernandez and Jordi Amat have started each Premier League game at the heart of Swansea’s defence, and have looked shaky at best thus far, and will no doubt be feeling the pressure upon Mawson’s arrival.