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Oli McBurnie Set For Swans Return As They Bid To Stay Out Of Danger Zone

Oli McBurnie is poised to return for Swansea City this weekend after recovering from his recent illness.

The Scotland striker missed the club’s last three matches – all lost with just two goals scored – against Norwich City, West Brom and Manchester City – due to a bug which medical staff were unable to identify, but has now been passed fit for the trip to Nottingham Forest.

It’s a major boost for the Swans who could find themselves just eight points above the Championship relegation zone if they lose again, with nine matches still remaining.

McBurnie did manage to get on the field during the international break, but like his teammates he failed to make much of an impact as the Scots crashed to a humiliating 3-0 defeat in their opening European Championship qualifier in Kazakhstan.

“Oli is available. He has come back from Scotland well, he has trained today,” said Swans manager Graham Potter.

“He looks more like himself. He had a bad virus for a week there, missed those three matches and lost a bit of weight.

“He needed time to get back to fitness, whether he is back to 100 per cent we need to assess.

“But he is certainly available to be in the squad and will be with us for Nottingham Forest.”

Less welcome news for Potter is that goalkeeper Erwin Mulder – who had displaced Kristoffer Nordfeldt earlier in the season as first choice – has broken a bone in his finger and will not play again this season.

It means Nordfeldt’s deputy will now be 20-year-old German rookie Steven Benda.

Club captain Leroy Fer remains on the injured list, but defender Joe Rodon could also be close to a comeback after returning to training following a broken metatarsal.

The centre-half was injured in the win over Sheffield United in January, but Potter will not take any risks with his fitness at the end of his first week back with the rest of the group.

“Joe is back in training, he had a full session today after a few part sessions earlier in the week. He is looking good,” added Potter.

“Obviously, it is his first week with the boys, but he has worked really hard and the medical staff have done a great job with him.

“We will make a decision on him and whether he is ready for the weekend in some capacity, but it’s nice to have him back.”

Potter has stated that talks over a new contract for Daniel James are continuing, but there has been no agreement reached.

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