Paterson and Grimes to return for Preston trip

Russell Martin will bring Jamie Paterson and Matt Grimes back into his squad for the weekend trip to Preston, but does not expect to have any further players back from illness or injury.

Midfielders Paterson and Grimes were rested for the midweek Carabao Cup win over Plymouth Argyle having featured extensively over the opening weeks of the campaign, but they will be involved in the squad at Deepdale.

Ryan Bennett and Kyle Naughton returned against the Pilgrims after periods of self-isolation following positive Covid tests, but Flynn Downes and Ben Cabango will again miss out in Lancashire due to the same issue.

Korey Smith and Liam Walsh are set to return from calf and hamstring injuries after the international break, with Connor Roberts having returned to training on the grass this week as he edges closer to a full recovery from groin surgery.

“We obviously have Bennett and Naughton back,” said the Swans head coach.

“Paterson and Grimes will be involved on Saturday as they were just rested as a precaution in midweek after playing a lot of minutes.

“So, they will be fine, we are just waiting for Flynn and Ben to come back although they won’t be quite ready for the weekend, but we look forward to working with them soon when they are back,

“Korey and Liam are not far away, and Connor is not far away either.”