Potter's major fitness boost

Wilfried Bony is in line to make a long-awaited return from injury when Swansea City face Bolton Wanderers on Saturday (3pm) – and Jefferson Montero is also set to feature.

Bony has not played for nine months after rupturing a cruciate ligament at Leicester back in February, while Montero has been absent since the win at Millwall on September 1 with a thigh injury.

But the two influential attacking players are set to be part of the Swans squad heading to Lancashire this weekend.

“Wilfried has trained well. He has progressed and he has looked sharp,” said Swans boss Graham Potter.

“He is with the group and he is now available for selection.

“He has had a big injury and it has taken him a bit of time to get over it, but he has worked hard and you can see the qualities he has already.

“What he needs now is to build up his time on the pitch.

“We will have a look again on Friday but hopefully, if all goes well, he can travel with us to Bolton.”

Potter says Montero has “carried on his progress” at Fairwood this week having returned to full training prior to last Saturday’s game at Rotherham.

The flying winger will be a welcome addition to the manager’s options given his sparkling displays in the opening weeks of the season.

And a fit and firing Bony would add a significant weapon to the Swans’ attacking arsenal.

“Wilfried has had a frustrating period and he wants to get out on the pitch,” Potter added.

“He thinks a lot of this club – he has a big feeling for the club – and I am sure he wants to contribute and help the lads win matches.

“He has footballing qualities and he also has qualities as a person.

“He lifts everyone up. He is demanding of players and staff and that’s the sort of personality you want.

“We have a young group and he is the kind of older player who can help us.

“I want to see him enjoying playing for Swansea City again, to feel like he is part of the team, and that’s what we are focusing on.”

There is yet more good news on the injury front ahead of Bolton, with Tom Carroll and George Byers also returning to the fold after fitness issues.

It all means Potter faces a selection headache as he tries to decide who to omit from his squad at the University of Bolton Stadium.