World Cup players back for Norwich, Michael Obafemi set to miss out

9th December
First team

Head coach Russell Martin has confirmed Swansea City’s World Cup contingent are all in contention to face Norwich, with only Liam Walsh and Michael Obafemi set to miss out against the Canaries.

The Swans resume the Championship campaign at the Swansea.com Stadium looking to build on a fine run of 22 points from 12 games that has moved them level on points with the play-off places.

Midfielder Walsh is continuing his rehabilitation from an Achilles injury, while striker Obafemi is nursing a knock picked up on international duty with the Republic of Ireland.

But Joe Allen, Ben Cabango, Olivier Ntcham and Ollie Cooper are all available following their time at the global showpiece in Qatar.

“The squad is looking really good, we have looked great out on the training pitch. We pretty much have nearly everyone fit now,” said Martin.

“Liam Walsh has returned to the grass, too, although it will be a while until he trains fully, but it’s great to see him take that big step and the lads all clapped him out onto the training pitch earlier this week, which was a really nice moment.

“The break has been really good for us, we organised it really well and I was pleased with the work we got in.

“We are in a good place to come back and hopefully pick up where we left off.

“Harry Darling and Michael Obafemi did not play in Scotland as they had little niggles. Michael picked up his with Ireland and is unlikely to make this weekend.

“But Harry is back in and ready. Everyone else is fit, we’ve got the World Cup boys back and we are really looking forward to it.”

Olivier Ntcham Cameroon