Swansea City to make late call on Michael Obafemi ahead of Coventry clash

Swansea City will make a late decision on Michael Obafemi’s fitness for this weekend’s trip to Coventry, but head coach Russell Martin insists they will take no risks with the striker.

Obafemi missed the resumption of Championship action against Norwich having picked up a knock while on international duty with the Republic of Ireland.

But the 22-year-old has been stepping up his rehabilitation and is nearing a return to action, and Martin admitted that could be in time for Saturday’s clash with the Sky Blues, although if there are any doubts the Swans will err on the side of caution.

“Michael is back on the grass, he is in a much better place physically,” said the Swans boss.

“We have got to build him up and make sure we get him properly fit and firing, he could possibly be ready for this weekend but we might need to take a longer view on it.

“We will have more discussions once he has been assessed on Friday, but he has taken a big jump this week. His date has been very good and is in a good place physically and mentally.

“Hopefully he can on the pitch for us soon.”

The Swans will otherwise have the same squad to choose from as they did for the clash with the Canaries, with Liam Walsh the only longer-term absentee.

Jamie Paterson has been among those to benefit from the time on the training field during the recent World Cup break, after an injury-hit start to the season.

And Martin hopes the midfielder – who faces his hometown club this weekend – can show the sort of influence that made him such a stand-out performer last term.

“Pato has had a difficult season, he has not been fit and he was struggling to get over a niggling injury,” added Martin.

“But the way he trained in the break and how he feels now is very different to what we had over the first few months of the season.

“He could not be the best version of himself and it was frustrating for us and for him.

“He saw some specialists, and he decided he needed time out to get it right, and we are seeing the benefits of it now.

“He’s got a slightly different role and is in a good place. He did well in moments against Norwich, he also did some excellent work off the ball, and he has trained like a beast this week.

“A fit and firing Jamie Paterson will really help us."