Joe Allen | We won't take any risks, but I am hoping to be ready for Rotherham
Joe Allen and Swansea City will not take any risks with the midfielder’s fitness, but the Wales international has his sights set on being involved in the opening fixture of the season at Rotherham should his recovery from a hamstring injury remain on its current track.
The 32-year-old rejoined the Swans a week ago, but has had to wait a few days before getting out on the grass with his new team-mates as he recovers from the issue he picked up on international duty last month.
But he and fellow injury victim Ben Cabango have been able to take part in segments of training with the rest of the first-team group at Fairwood, with their workloads continuing to be managed.
As the new season looms on the horizon with just a couple of weeks to go until the big kick-off, Allen cannot wait to get back into action in the colours of his boyhood club.
And he has his sights set on being able to be in the party heading to south Yorkshire for the opening assignment of the Championship campaign at the end of this month.
“It has been great to ramp things up, everything has been plain sailing with the recovery. The club have really looked after me since I came back and getting me nearer to where I want to be,” said Allen.
“Ben (Cabango) has been back out there with me, he’s looking really good and is raring to go, he is thrilled to be out there too.
“It’s a big point to get out on the grass, because it has been a bit of whirlwind of a summer in terms of playing with Wales, having the injury and then getting the deal done to come back here.
“Now that is all done, I am itching to get going and get some game time. The season will be here before you know it and I cannot wait for it.
“It’s a long season, we don’t want to take any silly risks, but I think it is realistic to aim for that opening game.
“Certainly I hope that can be the case if things keep progressing as they are. I want to be on that coach going to Rotherham in a couple of weeks and I am eager to get going.”