Ryan Manning returns for Swansea City, but Flynn Downes to be assessed

Swansea City will assess the fitness of Flynn Downes ahead of Saturday’s trip to Birmingham City, but have been boosted by the return of Ryan Manning.

Downes was replaced at half-time of Wednesday night’s comeback win over West Brom due to a tight hamstring, while Manning sat out the game as the Swans continue to manage the injury that forced his return from international duty.

Midfielder Downes, who has been hugely impressive since his summer switch from Ipswich Town, will be assessed today before the squad travel to the Midlands.

Manning, meanwhile, gives Russell Martin another defensive option with the Ireland international having been utilised as the left-sided centre-back in a three-man defence.

Martin also confirmed Michael Obafemi is available for selection, having made his steady return from ongoing muscle injuries.

The striker, signed from Southampton on transfer deadline day, has made just three appearances this season, with his last outing coming in his only start at Luton in mid September.

However, Martin insisted the club have opted to ease the 21-year-old back into the fold instead of risking a recurrence of his injury by rushing his return.

“Ryan Manning is back in the squad, Michael Obafemi too, but we’ll assess Flynn today,” confirmed the Swans boss. “Flynn came in yesterday and felt much better, but we’ll make a decision him after training.

“Michael has trained really well this week – he’s back to where he wants to be, and where he needs to be.

“It’s important that we don’t bring him back too quickly and risk injury. He didn’t have a pre-season here, and ended up playing 90 minutes at Luton and felt something then. He then felt something in  training.

“We want him back as quickly as possible, but we have to let our heads lead our hearts. We have to make the right decision for Michael in the long term, not just the short term.”