Hernandez hands Swans fitness boost

Pablo Hernandez hopes to ease Swansea City's injury problems by making his return from a hamstring problem this weekend.
The Spaniard has been sidelined since picking up a hamstring injury during the home defeat to Manchester City on New Year's Day, but he could be included in Michael Laudrup's plans for the FA Cup fourth-round trip to Birmingham City this Saturday.
The Swans have also received a boost with Jonathan de Guzman edging closer to a first-team return.
The Dutch international suffered a grade two tear in his calf following the league loss at Manchester United two weeks ago, but he returned to training with the squad today (Thursday) as he steps up his recovery.
There's further good news surrounding Nathan Dyer. He is on the comeback trail from ankle ligament damage, and the winger took part in a group session on Wednesday as he looks to be available for selection soon.
Jonjo Shelvey, however, is expected to be back in action in a week following the hamstring injury which saw him replaced in the second half of last Sunday's home defeat to Spurs.
Hernandez's return, though, would give Laudrup more options out wide ahead of Saturday's trip to the West Midlands.
And the winger admits he's desperate to be back in the thick of the action.
"Hopefully this is the end of injuries for me this," said Hernandez. "I have to be patient and make a 100 per cent recovery before I play because I have had a few injuries this season, which is very frustrating for me.
"But I have felt good in training. I have been in with the physios having treatment and working hard in the gym and on the training pitch.
"So this weekend is possible. I will see how it goes in training on Friday, and then I will speak with the gaffer.
"But I would love to play in the cup because it has been hard not playing in the last few games."



With Hernandez set to return, de Guzman is also hoping to be back in action soon.
The 26-year-old will monitor how his calf reacts in training ahead of the forthcoming matches.
He said: "It was my first day back in the group today, which was good news.
"Everyone wants to play, but you have to listen to your body as well.
"We will have to see how it goes in training. Hopefully I won't get any setbacks and I can return as soon as possible.
"It's been difficult for us as a group having so many injured at the same time, but we are all determined to come back ready and raring to go."