Swansea City hopeful of Korey Smith return ahead of Norwich City clash

Steve Cooper is hopeful Korey Smith could return in time to play a part in Swansea City’s clash with Championship leaders Norwich City on Friday night.

The midfielder has been sidelined for the past fortnight with a quad injury, with his last outing coming in the 2-0 victory at Barnsley on January 16.

That meant he missed the FA Cup win over Nottingham Forest and the Championship encounters with Brentford (1-1) and Rotherham United (3-1), but Smith is looking to feature against the club for whom he started his professional career.

And Cooper is hopefully the 30-year-old will be up for selection when the high-flying Canaries land at the Liberty.

The Swans boss will, however, have former Norwich loanee Kyle Naughton amongst his options after the defender served a one-match ban for his red card in the draw with Brentford.

Transfer deadline day signings Morgan Whittaker and Kieron Freeman will also be looking to make their debuts, although USA international Paul Arriola will not be involved as he’s yet to join the squad following his loan switch from DC United.

Liam Cullen, Wayne Routledge and Brandon Cooper remain the long-term absentees for the Swans.

“Korey is close,” confirmed Cooper. “I am hoping he will be available to be involved for Friday.

“Kyle is back from suspension, while there are no other injuries picked up this week.”