Franco a doubt for Portsmouth clash on New Year’s Day

After two home wins in three days it should be all good news for the Swans but they may have been dealt a blow with the news that midfielder – and scorer of two in two games – Goncalo Franco is a doubt for their New Year’s Day clash at Portsmouth.

Franco was led from the pitch in tears in the 2-1 win over Luton this afternoon and Luke Williams revealed after the game that he was taken to hospital for work on his front teeth after a clash with Luton defender Mark McGuinness.

McGuinness was already under caution when he clashed with Franco and despite the free kick being awarded to the Swans there was no further punishment for the defender despite the obvious discomfort being felt by Franco.

Franco’s original treatment saw him return to the field of play but his return was a brief one as he was substituted soon afterwards for what Williams later revealed to be a hospital trip for treatment to his teeth.

“He was in tears because he wanted to play,” Williams said.  “But he had four teeth in the bottom row that were in a completely different position to where they were when the game kicked off.

“The guy’s a monster. An absolute monster. So he’s not crying because his teeth have been rearranged and he’s hurt.  He’s crying because he wants to carry on playing. I know that when he comes off he’s worried that it’s going to keep him sidelined for longer than he wants to.

That’s the only reason he’s in tears, because he’s desperate to stay on. But he’s dizzy and he can’t close his mouth properly. But that’s the character of Goncalo.”

Williams though did exonerate McGuinness for any blame in the incident when he added “It was nothing malicious, I believe that. The player tried to protect himself from Franco’s contract and tried to roll at the same time. He’s a big powerful athlete and he’s caught Goncalo right in the face as he’s spinning. It’s the worst combination and unlucky. But I don’t think it’s malicious at all.

“I don’t know,” Williams added when asked if Franco would miss the Pompey clash.  “I need to try and found out where he is exactly because he’s obviously been taken to hospital but I don’t know exactly which one and if he’s been moved from one to another.  But I will try to see him now if I can before I get home and see how he is.”