Bony's fitness boost

Wilfried Bony is hoping to be fit for the start of next season – and he is confident he will return as a Premier League player.

The Swansea City striker is already back working in the gym just seven weeks after rupturing his cruciate ligament at Leicester.

And Bony has revealed that despite the severity of his injury, he could be back training with his team-mates come summer.

“I am feeling better,” Bony said. “I am almost six weeks on now from the operation and things are going well.

“The doctors have told me that I am recovering fast and I could be back for pre-season, so that is my target.

“Mentally I am feeling very strong. I am encouraging my team-mates, trying to motivate them and make them laugh. This is the best way to be.”

Bony skippered the Swans at times earlier this season, and remains one of the leaders in the dressing room despite the fact that he cannot contribute on the pitch.

And the former Manchester City man is confident his team-mates have the ability to retain their Premier League status this spring.

“Our motivation is to stay in the Premier League and I believe the team will do that,” Bony added.

“Everybody is trying everything to stay up. The manager has given the players a lot of motivation – he has lifted everyone.

“We are happier with our position now but we want more than that – we want to be secure.”

*You can see the full interview with Wilfried Bony in this week’s Swans Show, which will be online on Thursday.