Duo return but one big loss

Jamie Paterson and Ryan Manning are back in contention for today’s match against Bristol City at Ashton Gate after missing several games through injury.

Paterson has played just 216 minutes of football this season and has been missing since the 1-0 defeat to Sheffield United in September.

Manning meanwhile has been an ever present until he missed the 4-0 loss at Burnley and wins against Reading and Cardiff but is now set to return and could start today.

Manning’s presence will be huge positive having made the left back slot his own which should see Joel Latibeaudiere drop out – perhaps not today but moving forward – and Matty Sorinola at right back.

The Swans are known to be in talks to keep the former QPR man at the club past the expiry of his contract which is next summer.

The one souring bit of injury news is Joe Allen who has seen a specialist this week after “mistakes” were made in his recovery programme with his World Cup chances now at serious risk.

Allen hasn’t been seen in a Swans shirt since coming off against Hull City at the start of a four game winning run although Jay Fulton has become a more than able replacement in his absence.

“I don’t think Joe will be playing for us before the World Cup. We’re being honest about that,” Swans boss Russell Martin said.

“We’re taking the Swansea City hat off and all our focus now is on Joe and getting him ready to play on the biggest stage with his country.

“Everyone at the club is focusing on getting him ready for the World Cup. If we can do that, and he does well for Wales, that’s a benefit for us as a club when he comes back.

“It’s always about the player and the person first. He’ll be giving everything he’s got – as will we – to get him to Qatar.”