by Matt Slater
SWANSEA City boss Steve Cooper thinks Ben Cabango’s injury is “still a bit inconclusive”, despite Wales call-up.
The 20-year-old was forced to miss the midweek game at Brentford after he pulled up with a hamstring problem during the warm-up on Tuesday.
Swansea travel to Norfolk to play in a top of the table clash against Norwich in their last game before the international break.
And despite the importance of the fixture, Cooper is unsure of whether Cabango will feature.
“I’m not sure yet. We are going to give him every chance to play,” Cooper said.
“I don’t think it’s going to be as bad as it could have been, but it’s still a little bit inconclusive. Hopefully, he will be available, but we will find out a more a little bit later.
“It’s that usual case, we’ve got loads of games. I know Ben did not play the other day, but everything is a little bit of a rush and it comes around quickly.
Swansea maintained their unbeaten away record after Andre Ayew continued his fine form and grabbed a late equaliser against Brentford.
“Players report in today and will get checked over as normal. Ben’s situation is a little bit more serious and we will find out whether he is available to play, be on the bench or not feature at all.
“We wouldn’t take any risks with any players, certainly with muscle injuries. We need to try to keep everyone as available as possible for the duration of the season, which is going to be hard, because of the nature of the schedule.
“But I think the team and the squad could be a little bit lucky if we have not picked up injuries and can recover and prepare better than others. It will be helpful to being competitive in the busy periods.
“The more players you can have available from game to game, I think will be important.”
Steve Cooper will give Ben Cabango every chance to prove his fitness ahead of tomorrow’s meeting with Norwich at Carrow Road.
👉 https://t.co/yIJa8IzsbY pic.twitter.com/8H1umziqBd
— Swansea City AFC (@SwansOfficial) November 6, 2020
And Cooper has informed the Football Association of Wales about Cabango’s situation and has given recommendations about the minutes he should feature.
“We always send over every player’s information to the federation they go to, with some recommendations on ideal training loads and match minutes, among others,” Cooper continued.
“That will be no different, that is normal practice. And likewise, when players come back, you normally get the same information so the fitness guys and medics can see what they are doing, monitor them and make sure that we gradually integrate them back our system.”
Swansea will face a Norwich side who are relatively unchanged since their Premier League days. And Cooper is aware of the challenge ahead.
“It will be a really tough test. They were in the Premier League last season and had a strong Championship campaign before that. A lot of that structure is still in place.
“But I think it comes at a good time for us. We are looking forward to going there and committing to the game.
“We do not fear anybody – we embrace the challenges in front of us and we’re really looking forward to getting going.”
Swansea’s marquee player, Andre Ayew, has been in fine form this season and has shown no signs of halting his goal scoring attributes.
“Andre’s a top player in the league and has played a level above,” Cooper said.
“He is showing that now and he is very much a team player. We are seeing him in good form, but he will be the first to tell you – it is still the early stages of the season.
“I know his idea and my idea is to be in good form for all the season, or certainly large parts of it. We are enjoying his goals, but it is about what is next.
“Andre’s great, he has been since I walked through the door. He is a good lad and a good professional. He delivers when it counts.”
Swansea find themselves with 19 points from a possible 27. But Cooper is refusing to think about promotion at this point of the season.
“We are just taking it one step at a time. Our focus is completely on how we win the game and playing well tomorrow.”
