Swans return in good shape

Carlos Carvalhal says Swansea City’s international players have come back in good shape ahead of Saturday’s return to Premier League action at Manchester United.

The Swans have been without eight senior players for much of the last fortnight due to international call-ups.

But the squad were reunited today as they stepped up preparations for this weekend’s trip to Old Trafford, and Carvalhal has reported no fresh injury concerns.

“All the international players have come back fit, so we only have the injuries we had before the break,” said the Swans boss.

“We gave the players who did not go away some time to rest after the Tottenham game, but in the middle of last week we started preparing for Manchester United and everything is positive.

“We don’t have any problems with the international players. Only two of them, Andy King and Ki Sung-Yueng, were more involved than the others.

“They both played in two games, while the others played only 45 minutes or were on the bench in midweek.

“King and Ki can be the possible problems because of the time they played, but I think they will both be okay to be in the 18 on Saturday.”

Carvalhal reckons Alfie Mawson should be lifted by his first taste of life with the senior England squad despite the fact that he did not get on to the pitch in either of their friendly games.

“Naturally Alfie will be disappointed not to play at least five minutes, but deep down he should feel proud,” he added.

“He is young and I am absolutely sure he will have some other opportunities in the future.”

The Swans, meantime, are expecting Renato Sanches to return to Wales soon as he steps up his recovery from a hamstring problem.

The on-loan Bayern Munich midfielder is currently back at his parent club as he looks to overcome the injury suffered two months ago.

“Renato is in the final phase of his recovery,” Carvalhal said.

“He has been back at Bayern Munich for the last couple of weeks and now we are waiting for him to come back to us.

“I am not sure whether it will be this week or next week. He had a scan on Tuesday and it was okay.

“I spoke to him and he is progressing very well. We will push him to get him fit as soon as we can and then let’s see if he can play a part this season.”