Cabango a doubt as Wilmot returns

Swansea City are waiting on the fitness of Ben Cabango, but are set to have Ben Wilmot available for Saturday’s clash with Reading.

Cabango, 19, made his third start of the season in the midweek Carabao Cup clash at Watford, in which he turned in a performance that belied his tender years.

The Wales Under-21 international had also been on the bench for the league draw at Bristol City when Wilmot was ruled out with a knee problem.

He picked up a hamstring issue at Vicarage Road that is being assessed, but fellow defender Wilmot is fit, while Aldo Kalulu remains sidelined.

“Ben Cabango – who I thought was excellent the other night – has had a bit of hamstring pain. So, he is getting checked out as we speak,” said head coach Steve Cooper.

“Ben Wilmot is available, he will be out training with us today and he would have been available in midweek had we been playing anyone other than Watford.

“He has had a slight recurring knee problem which has just set him back a couple of days at a time. It happened against Cambridge first of all and then again when he was away with England Under-21s.

“He did not return to Watford, as he did not need to, but the medics are confident it will heal. It’s been unfortunate for him as he has been doing well in training.

“Aldo is continuing his rehab, making progress but still a little while away from being able to play.”

The Swans will also be without left-back Jake Bidwell after failing to overturn his red card at Bristol City.

It means the 26-year-old is serving a three-match suspension, and Cooper is weighing up his options to replace the former Everton man.

“We do have options,” said Cooper.

“Declan (John) played the other night and did well, we know Kyle (Naughton) has filled in there. Ben Wilmot can play across the back four and Matt Grimes played there last season.

“But the key is to pick the right team for the right gameplan and that’s what we will look to do.”