SWANS: Franco set for season debut as Matos hands Burnley fitness boost

Vitor Matos says Goncalo Franco is back in contention to make his first appearance of the season against Burnley on Saturday.

The midfielder has been sidelined since damaging ankle ligaments in pre-season, but the 25-year-old is fit to play some part when Burnley visit the Swansea.com Stadium (3pm kick-off).

“Franco is a really important player for us, he was a really important player last season,” said Matos.

“He has a lot of things that are important for us in terms of our game and in terms of identity. Now it’s about step by step being fitter and then we can use him when we believe it’s the right time.”

A former fans’ player of the season, Franco has been an influential figure since arriving from Portuguese club Moreirense in the summer of 2024, scoring six goals in 91 appearances across two seasons.

His return leaves the Swans with strong central-midfield options, where Marko Stamenic, Jay Fulton, Melker Widell and new recruit Stephen Eustáquio have impressed early this season.

Franco comes back into a squad looking for a response after a first league defeat of the season at Southampton on Tuesday night.

Stewart still out, Monga in the frame

Scotland striker Ross Stewart remains sidelined with a quad injury, and is not expected back until around the international break.

“Ross is still on his last phase of rehab, so probably back around the international week,” said Matos.

With Eom Ji-sung away, Manchester City teenager Jeremy Monga could feature in a matchday squad for the first time since his deadline-day move.

“He’s a really young player with a lot of potential who arrived when we have a lot of games in a short period of time. It is hard because you need to adapt and adjust to our ideas,” said Matos.

“I think he’s understanding what the values and the non-negotiable parts regarding our style are. Step by step, he’s getting into it, and then we hope we can really take the best out of him.”

Matos up for manager of the month

Matos, meanwhile, is among the nominees for the Championship’s August manager of the month award, alongside Charlton Athletic’s Nathan Jones, Wolves boss Cesar Peixoto and QPR’s Julien Stephan.

The Swans made an unbeaten start under Matos, seven points including wins over Stoke City and Derby County taking them top of the table. The winner is announced on Friday.