Proving once again he’s a hard man to read, an d that’s putting it mildly Russell Martin has revealed this morning that Nathanael Ogbeta will be in the squad for tomorrow’s game at Bloomfield Road, Blackpool. However, his inclusion looks like it’s merely about gaining some experience of being in a match day squad, so the best he can hope for is a sub appearance.

That said.

Ryan Manning as we discussed yesterday had his red card appeal turned down and will sit out four games as a result. That’s a great shame for him and the swans as he misses the South Wales derby at the start of April. Russell Martin though seemed unsympathetic earlier today before the team departed for the north west. “It’s disappointing for him because he has to miss four games now and it’s disappointing for us because he’s been excellent, but I think he’ll learn from this, he has to learn from it as well “ In fact Manning hasn’t seen much sympathy from any quarter for his challenge on a squeeling Harry Wilson on Tuesday night.

On a more positive footing Ogbeta has at last has some form of match fitness. “Thankfully, we’ve got Nat coming back but he hasn’t played at this level before and hasn’t been able to train a huge amount” stated Martin. “He’s been back for a week training with the boys on the grass so they’ll be an opportunity for him soon. He’s in the squad tomorrow — it would be a big ask for him to start a game, but we’ve got three games in a week and then a good period, in terms of the international break, to get some work into him. There'll be an opportunity for him at some point for sure. This weekend is probably a bit too early for him, it would be a big ask for him to start a game completely out of nowhere, it would be unfair on him” That indicates a cautious approach to Ogbeta making his debut. His immediate injury upon signing was concerning, and with nothing to play for this season other than pride he shouldn’t be playing at all if he is not one hundred per cent right.

Other good news is Flynn Downes seems okay, although that looked doubtful on Tuesday night. It’s testament to his fitness and an extremely committed and professional attitude that his rehab is made that much easer from knocks and blows. Martin confirmed his availability this morning “Flynn is fine. It was a sore one, because of wherever was, he could have played on — and because of his character, he wanted to play on — but he was limping so we made the call. He’s come off and he’s fit and available for tomorrow.”

That leaves Hannes Wolf who seems to have had an extended time away due to covid, but he is back in the mix now. Plus Cyrus Christie is also available after sitting out Tuesday night, and better news regards Olivier Ntcham as well, he was only replaced to shore up the defence against Fulham. No mention was made of Korey Smith so the assumption is he is fit.

On the season itself Martin was confident “We set targets for everyone which we all agree on, we are just trying to develop our layers as much as possible. Trying to finish as strongly as possible, we have a lot to play for. Some would call them key performance indicators but each unit in the team, what’s important to them we set the targets for that. The main aim is to keep developing the team, and keep being what we want to be”

In summary Martin seems content with his lot this weekend. “We have people who are desperate to play and are ready. Whenever someone is injured or suspended, it gives someone an opportunity and hopefully someone takes it”

Another long trip north with a huge away support is ahead of us and Swansea City. That isn’t lost on the swans boss “ We have to give the fans a team they feel really connected to, that tells you all you need to know about this club and the support it gets. We have a really clear identity at home and away from home. You saw that on Tuesday night”

More updates as kick off time approaches tomorrow.

Photographs licensed from Reuters

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