SWANS: Key facing scan as Matos waits on full-back’s fitness for Lincoln

Vitor Matos says Josh Key is still being assessed on the hamstring problem that saw him withdrawn against Burnley, and is awaiting a further scan before Swansea City’s trip to Lincoln City.

The full-back has not trained this week, doing specific work instead, and Matos will wait on a final session before deciding whether he can be involved.

“Everyone is OK. Josh Key is still being assessed to see how the situation is at the moment. We have one more session, so let’s see,” said Matos, speaking before the Lincoln game.

“He hasn’t trained, but he’s been doing specific work, so let’s see how he is. It sounds like it’s not a major injury, even if he can’t make it this weekend. We are waiting for another scan to really confirm what’s there.”

Key was hurt in the 3-1 win over Burnley, where “he felt uncomfortable with his hammy”, as Matos put it at the time, though the head coach played it down even then.

A player Matos manages carefully

Key has featured in all but one of Swansea’s games this season, sharing right-back duties with Filip Lissah.

After some inconsistent form last term, the former Exeter man has looked back to his best in the early weeks of 2026-27, and Matos was clear about why he manages the full-back’s minutes carefully.

“He can break lines from the back. His energy and speed are really important for us, and because of that intensity we need to manage him,” he said.

“That’s what we did in the last game. Unfortunately, he felt something. It doesn’t seem special, but it wasn’t worth the risk.”

If Key does not make it, Lissah is the ready replacement, the young defender having impressed when called upon this season.

“Fil came on and had a good game again. He’s a young player who’s played in various roles this season but always with the right mindset and mentality,” Matos said.

Stewart nearing a return

There was better news on Ross Stewart, with the Scotland striker on course to return during the international break after a quad injury.

“He is on schedule and probably will join us during international week,” Matos said.

The Swans travel to Lincoln City on Saturday looking to build on the Burnley win that returned them to the automatic promotion places.

Author

Richard Bond

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