Rangel ruled out for remaining games

29th April

Swans defender Angel Rangel has been ruled out for the remaining two games of the season with a groin strain.

The Spanish right-back had been hoping for positive news today (Tuesday), but scan results revealed that a groin strain will rule him out of this weekend's home game against Southampton and the final-day trip to Sunderland.

"Angel has been diagnosed with a grade 2 adductor strain (groin) which will keep him out of action for two to three weeks," confirmed head physiotherapist Kate Rees.

The 31-year-old was forced off through injury during the second-half of the stunning 4-1 win over Aston Villa on Saturday, which saw the Swans record back-to-back victories for the first time since December 2012.

A Wilfried Bony brace, plus a sensational 47-yard volley by Jonjo Shelvey and a second-half strike by Pablo Hernandez helped the Swans on their way to a convincing win at the Liberty.

And despite being sidelined for Swansea's final two games, Rangel has urged his team-mates to finish the season on a high after their top-flight status was secured for another season.

"We knew that three points would probably be enough to ensure we stay in the Premier League," said the right back.

"Saturday was an opportunity for us to beat a team that were in a similar position to ours, and we managed to do that in a great manner.

"We haven't won two games in a row for a long time, so it was really good to be able to do that.

"Now we have the chance to make it three with another home game. It would be fantastic to finish the season on a high.

"It's been a really difficult season for us, but we have fought until the end.

"It looked as though we might struggle but with two wins we look like we could finish above 12th.

"Our aim is to get more than 40 points and we have the chance to do that with six points to play for. Let's see what we can do and how high we can finish."

Meanwhile, at half-time on Saturday, the Swans received good news that former midfielder Ferrie Bodde had awoken from an induced coma and was cheering on Garry Monk's side from his hospital bed.

In the sixth minute of the match - to mark his squad number during his time at the club - the Jack Army broke into applause and chants of "One Ferrie Bodde" in raucous support of the 31-year-old.

And Rangel added that he and his team-mates were boosted by the positive news.

"It is good news for all of us at Swansea City because we know Ferrie well," added the Spaniard. "He was a great professional, and we all hope he can get well and that we will see him soon.

"It is very difficult for us to see former players like Ferrie and Leighton James, who has suffered a stroke, unwell.

"Swansea City is a family and we try to take care of everyone."