Russell Martin weighs up changes at end of busy week

Russell Martin will weigh up whether to make changes for Swansea City’s third game in a week when they host Sunderland on Saturday (3pm).

The Swans face a tight turnaround before taking on the Black Cats, having won 2-1 at Watford late on Wednesday night to back up last weekend’s victory at West Brom.

Head coach Martin acknowledges there are a few tired bodies after a gruelling few days, but has urged his players to maintain their energy and intensity and they look to end a positive week on a high.

“There are a few tired bodies, but we will make sure everyone is energised and ready to go,” said the Swans boss.

“The players have been incredible with their effort, and we have to be ready to go one more time, it’s as simple as that.

“We want to show the same energy and intensity as we have in the last two games, and the players should take huge belief from their performances and results.

“We will have to consider everything when it comes to the squad, we did a recovery session on Thursday but players also need to recover mentally too.

“We have spoken about needing everyone, some people put in a huge shift on Wednesday and Sunderland have had an extra day to prepare having played at home on Tuesday night.

“We will take it all into account and those conversations will continue because we want to put out a team that is capable of playing with the same energy and intensity.”

Martin also confirmed that Joe Allen and Jamie Paterson are nearing returns from their hamstring and groin injuries, respectively. However, this weekend’s fixture looks set to come too soon for them.

“With Joe we have to be careful,” said Martin.

“We want him back as quickly as possible, he has trained but that is different to playing a game with how we want to play.

“We have to pick the right moment, we will assess him again today. He will be part of the conversation, but it’s probably more likely to be looking towards next week rather than this.

“Pato is in the late stage of his rehab programme after seeing the specialist in London.

“He is getting closer and closer, he has been really frustrated to not be able to deliver the best version of himself on the pitch.

“He has battled through with it, and tried to get through it but it has been too difficult, but I think we are really close to him being able to move on from it."