SWANS: ‘Nothing major’ — Matos expects Opoku back quickly after Derby cut

Swansea City head coach Vitor Matos is optimistic that Joseph Opoku’s injury during the 3-0 win at Derby County is not serious.

The summer signing put the Swans in front after 90 seconds before being forced off with a deep gash to his ankle midway through the first half.

The Ghana international was reluctant to go down, and seemingly signalled his desire to continue after an impressive start at Pride Park, before being replaced by fellow newcomer Moussa Yeo.

“He had a cut on his foot. It was deep and really bleeding. It was really painful for him. That is why he had to come out,” Matos said.

“He could not cope with the rest of the game. I don’t believe he will be out for a long period of time.

“It’s more about healing that and then going again. It’s nothing major.”

Opoku joined from Belgian club Zulte Waregem in the summer and has made a fast start in south Wales, scoring twice in three Championship appearances.

His goal at Pride Park, which deflected off two defenders on its way past Jacob Widell Zetterstrom, followed his league debut strike in the opening day win at Stoke City.

Any absence would be keenly felt in a heavy week.

Third-placed Swansea have a double header at the Swansea.com Stadium, with ninth-placed Watford the visitors on Tuesday night before a highly anticipated all-Welsh affair against Hollywood-backed Wrexham on Saturday evening.

Matos was also pleased with the depth his squad showed at Derby, where Stephen Eustáquio made his debut and substitute Ronald scored the third.

“Moussa came with that freshness and that mentality as well, so it was quite nice to see,” the head coach said of the man who replaced Opoku.

Author

Richard Bond

Swansea-based sports journalist.
Twitter: @RichBond00
Email: RichardBond@swanseabaynews.com