Swansea City head coach Vitor Matos says midfielder Gonçalo Franco hopes to return to training early following ankle ligament surgery that was expected to sideline the Portuguese star for up to 12 weeks.
The 25-year-old former Swans player of the year is now targeting a return to the training field towards the end of August.
Franco was ruled out for 10 to 12 weeks in July after damaging ankle ligaments in a behind-closed-doors friendly, a blow that came with the midfielder central to Matos’ plans.
In his pre-match press conference, the Swans boss also revealed centre halves Ben Cabango and Stephen Welsh will be fit to face Birmingham City on Saturday afternoon after recovering from illness, whilst last season’s leading scorer Zan Vipotnik will play a prominent part against the Midlanders after a quad problem.
New signing Ross Stewart, however, will miss the Carabao Cup first round tie through lack of pre-season fitness.
“Franco is taking really good steps in terms of returning,” said Matos.
“He has though, only played one week of pre-season so will be a little bit short.
“It is in the equation, but it will be one week after [the start of the season], if we are right. We have a good medical department, and he is a good athlete.”
On Stewart, who arrived this week after leaving Southampton, Matos said: “He will not be involved.
“He has missed all pre-season so he will need to start and step by step, to get into the team.”
On Birmingham
“It is important as it is the first game of the season and we want to compete and build momentum,” continued the Swans boss.
“It is a competition where we want to stay in as long as we can.
“Birmingham are a really good team and have had really good results in the games they have played against good opposition in pre-season.
“They have had good preparation, and their squad is quite stable in terms of signings and outs, which gives them stability.
“They are really aggressive. Probably one of the most aggressive that I have seen in recent times in terms of pressing.
“They are very direct and good at set-pieces, so I think they will be a really good challenge.”
Saturday’s tie at the Swansea.com Stadium kicks off at 3pm, with the Championship season beginning at Stoke City a week later.
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