Latest fitness updates and more from expert Ben Dinnery
Swansea City will kick the new Premier League season into action this afternoon at Old Traffordwhen The Jacks take on Manchester United. Nathan Dyer and Wayne Routledge are back in contention following their absence last weekend; Dyer missed Swansea’s final preseason game – a home loss to Villarreal – to be at the birth of his child while Routledge needed a pain-killing injection to help manage a foot problem. Summer signing Jefferson Montero is available to help provide some attacking options out wide but Leon Britton, Marvin Emnes and Jay Fulton will all miss out with knee injuries. Rory Donnelly is expected to be out for up to three months after undergoing ankle surgery.
New Dutch coach Louis van Gaal could be missing up to nine first team members as he makes his bow in the Premiership; international compatriot Robin van Persie has “no chance” following his late return from the World Cup in Brazil while Sam Johnstone, Antonio Valencia, Jonny Evans and Danny Welbeck have all failed to recover from their various ailments. Anderson (calf) and Michael Carrick (ankle) remain long-term absentees while Luke Shaw (hamstring) was ruled out for a month midweek; Ashley Young could deputise after he impressed during the close season. Captain Wayne Rooney is expected to lead the attack with Juan Mata flourishing just behind in the ‘Number 10’ role.
Thanks to Ben for providing our team news. Follow him on Twitter for all the latest injury news @BenDinnery