Swansea City boosted by Kyle Naughton's return

Kyle Naughton has handed Swansea City a selection boost with the defender available to face Stevenage in the FA Cup this weekend.

The 32-year-old has missed the last four games with a side strain sustained in the defeat at Derby last month.

Naughton, who has featured 13 times this season at right-back and centre-back, was replaced at half-time at Pride Park, but is now back in the frame for selection as he gives head coach Steve Cooper a timely boost.

The Swans are without Ryan Bennett, who suffered a hamstring injury in the stalemate with Reading and Joel Latibeaudiere, who sustained a calf problem during the warm-up of the 2-1 win over Watford. The Swans will continue to assess their situation ahead of next week's Championship clash with Barnsley at Oakwell.

Despite being recalled from Newport County this week, defender Brandon Cooper is unavailable as he’s already featured for the Exiles in the FA Cup.

But Naughton’s return gives Cooper an experienced head to call upon as the Swans head to the Lamex Stadium to take on the League Two hosts this Saturday (3pm) in the third round of the competition.

“Naughton’s back - he’s trained all week, so he’s available,” said the Swans boss, who also confirmed all players and staff returned negative results in this week's round of testing for covid-19.

“Ryan and Joel are still out and will be for a little while. Whether they’re back for Barnsley is a bit inconclusive at the moment.”