Mike's run to continue as Fede plays for U23s

Mike van der Hoorn is set to keep his place when Swansea City face West Brom this weekend despite Federico Fernandez’s return to the fold.

Fernandez has trained with his team-mates all week having missed the Swans’ last three games following the death of his father.

But the Argentine is unlikely to start against the Baggies after Paul Clement revealed he will play for the under-23s in their Premier League Cup tie with Colchester United tonight.

That means van der Hoorn is poised to continue at the heart of defence alongside Alfie Mawson, with Fernandez coming back into contention for a start when Manchester City visit the Liberty next Wednesday.

“Federico is going to get some minutes in the under-23 game tonight to get him back up to match pace,” Clement explained.

“Otherwise, if he did not start at the weekend, he would have been three weeks without a game.

“The plan for Federico is to focus on Manchester City in midweek.”

Clement feels van der Hoorn has been “nice and steady” during his unexpected run in the starting side, hence there is no need to rush Fernandez back into action.

“It’s been a difficult time for Federico obviously,” added the Swans boss.

“I believe his father has been struggling with illness for a couple of years, so it’s very sad if not a total shock.

“It’s very hard when you lose someone close to you, but as a club we are glad to have him back.”