Joe Allen in fitness race and Paterson could make a home return
Thursday, 9th Mar 2023 12:45 by Keith Haynes

This week has seen the Swans without a fixture enabling Russell Martin and his team to assess the Joe Allen muscle pull which he rated as ‘hopefully not too bad’ this week. It’s clear selecting Joe or rushing his inclusion for Saturday will aggravate the injury, so we can expect him to miss the big game against Middlesbrough ( Kick off 3pm )

Joe Allen is a headache, however he has a very decent recovery rate and Martin remains confident it won’t be a long lay off. “It is tough for us, but hopefully Joe will not be out for too long and Grimesy will be back for next week at this rate. But I am proud of the lads that stepped up. Ben Cabango was a real leader, Nathan Wood was incredible and Joel Latibeaudiere was top. Jay Fulton continued to do what he has done this season and Joel Piroe grew into the game. We have a lot to be positive about. Joe is a concern but we hope it is not too bad.”

We have been told that Jamie Paterson now has a fair chance of inclusion again in the match day squad, but from an attacking point of view he could see some game time from the bench. For us that’s possibly the best route with a returning Matt Grimes ready to start and Jay Fulton one of the first names on the team sheet. Added to the midfield there surely has to be more thought to Luke Cundle and Oli Cooper before Paterson ?

Cundle did pick up a knock on Saturday at Luton and Cooper was the victim of some poor tackling in the first half as well so that could affect Martin’s thinking. From last weekend we did see a more accomplished Nathan Wood and Ben Cabango and both have come in for some praise from the Swans head coach this week as we have read.

Saturday is a good opportunity for Swansea followers to bring in tinned food for the food bank collection, plus it’s a match dedicated to #HerGameToo by the Swans. Amy Clement, a Swans fan and one of the founders of the campaign, said: “I am over the moon that my club Swansea City have come together with #HerGameToo to celebrate International Women’s Day. Female staff, players, referees, coaches, physios and fans should all be recognised and celebrated for what they contribute to football. Please take a moment today to think of all the amazing women who make Swansea City Football Club go round. I’d like to thank the club for their ongoing support with our partnership and I couldn’t be prouder to support a club with such a good heart. Their commitment to making the club inclusive is impressive and something to be celebrated."

We pass on our congratulations to the founding members and Amy for all their hard work over the last two years. Of course this campaign isn’t at its end it is merely consolidating and moving forwards. There is a link below. And it’s not just about football. There are #HerGameToo friendly bars, and there is one in Swansea with specially trained staff. ( The Griffin )

Tickets for the game are available still and at a discounted rate of £10 for all students. Please note valid student ID is required to take advantage of this offer. ** ( Swans Official ) There is a link in the club website, plus tickets are an available on the day.