Ben Cabango injury blow for Swansea City and Wales

Swansea City defender Ben Cabango will miss the rest of the season and Wales’ summer fixtures after suffering an ankle ligament injury, head coach Russell Martin has confirmed.

The 21-year-old defender was forced off during Tuesday’s draw against Bournemouth - which marked his 100th appearance for the Swans - after being hurt in a poor challenge by Jamal Lowe.

Cabango managed to play on, but eventually had to be withdrawn. He has subsequently undergone a scan and it has revealed an injury that is set to keep him sidelined until early in pre-season for the 2022-23 campaign.

“Unfortunately, Ben is done for the season,” said Martin as he provided a fitness update ahead of Saturday’s trip to Nottingham Forest.

“He had a scan on Wednesday and it is not good news for us, or for Wales. He is out for the summer.

“He will be back with us for pre-season, although he might miss the first week or two.

“He will go to see a specialist on Tuesday and it is highly unlikely he will be going away with Wales.

“It’s an ankle injury and I don’t know how he played on with the extent of the injury.

“He has been outstanding and improved so much and was in a great place.

“It will be tough for him to miss out this summer because of what is at stake for Wales.

“It’s a blow for him, for us and for Wales, but he has to make sure he rests and recuperates and comes back fit and firing.”

Martin is confident Olivier Ntcham will return to be involved at the City Ground, while Jamie Paterson’s fitness will be monitored ahead of the meeting with the midfielder’s former club.

“I keep saying it, but I think Olivier will be back, and Jamie Paterson we are assessing day by day,” added the Swans boss.

“He was not ready for Tuesday, but I am confident Olivier will be back, with Pato we will see how he comes through as it is niggling on more than we expected.”