'We can cope with injury blows'

Carlos Carvalhal has expressed disappointment over the injuries suffered by Wilfried Bony and Leroy Fer – but insists Swansea City can cope with the loss of two senior players.

Bony and Fer have been ruled out for the rest of the season after picking up long-term problems during Saturday’s 1-1 draw at Leicester.

Carvalhal has also revealed that Renato Sanches is out for around a month with the hamstring problem which forced him off at Notts County last week.

And Leon Britton (groin) and Angel Rangel (calf) are unavailable for Tuesday night’s Emirates FA Cup replay against the Magpies.

The two most serious problems are Bony, who has a torn cruciate ligament, and Fer, who has a ruptured Achilles.

But Carvalhal believes the deadline-day signings of Andre Ayew and Andy King mean the Swans are well covered.

“Like the people say, when one swan falls, another swan begins to fly,” said the Swans boss.

“We are disappointed because Fer was doing very well and Bony was fighting hard every day to get to his best level.

“We wish we had them available, but we have players to cover the situation in the time that they are not here.

“On Saturday (Tom) Carroll came on and played well. With him on the pitch we started to play better as a team.

“We have another solution in midfield in Andy King, who is unavailable on Tuesday but will be available at the weekend.

“(Sam) Clucas can also play inside, while Leon can come back when he is fit and Renato will be part of the team also.

“Renato may be out for four or five weeks, but he will come back and help us.

“In attack, Bony’s injury will mean more opportunities for Tammy Abraham, while we have also brought in Andre who can play right, left or as a striker.”

New recruits Ayew and King will play no part in the cup this season having featured in the competition for their previous clubs.

But both players are on course to be involved when the Swans return to Premier League action with a home game against Burnley at the weekend.

Loan signing King was fit but ineligible to face parent club at Leicester on Saturday, while Ayew was not considered because of a hamstring problem.

Ayew has now joined King in full training, however.

“Andre is training well,” Carvalhal added.

“He will train all week and he will be available for selection on Saturday.

“It’s always good to have more options and Andre and Andy are two good players.”