New Swans boss Bob Bradley has been speaking about the fitness of Fernando Llorente and Jefferson Montero amongst others.
Swansea City’s Fernando Llorente scores their first goal
Swansea manager Bob Bradley has revealed that he may have to go without the services of Fernando Llorente and Jefferson Montero in his first match in charge, which takes place at the Emirates against Arsenal on Saturday.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference, as published on the Swansea website, ahead of his Premier League managerial debut, the American confirmed that the Spanish striker and the Ecuadorian winger are both unlikely to feature in the weekend’s match.
Chelsea’s Matt Miazga in action with Swansea’s Jefferson Montero
Both missed the defeat to Liverpool a fortnight ago and are battling to be fit for Bradley’s bow. Llorente is struggling with a knee injury and Montero has been suffering from a calf strain.
“Fernando (Llorente) and Jefferson (Montero) aren’t back in full training,” Bradley confirmed. “Their progress has been slower.”
Winger Nathan Dyer is definitely out with an ankle injury, while Federico Fernandez is a doubt due to a rib problem. It’s not all bad news for Bradley, however, as the Swans players that were on international duty have returned unscathed.
“The response of the players has been fantastic,” the former American national boss said.
Swansea City manager Bob Bradley during the press conference
“The players have been excellent, and I can also see there are a lot of nice guys in the group. You can see they all get along well and have good camaraderie,” he added.
Llorente scored his first Swans goal against Manchester City in September but hasn’t featured since. A return to fitness for the experienced Spanish international will be crucial if Bradley is to improve City’s fortunes, with Montero’s pace on the wing also an asset the American coach will be planning to utilise when he is fully fit.
Swansea City’s Fernando Llorente in action with Burnley’s Michael Keane
The Spanish striker was linked with a move to Saturday’s opponents Arsenal last summer by various news outlets, including Metro, and if he does manage to overcome his injury and make a surprise appearance he will be eager to show the Gunners what they missed out on.
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