By Gareth James
Ben Cabango will be given every chance to prove his fitness before Swansea City’s Championship clash at Norwich City on Saturday.
The defender has been having treatment since pulling up with a hamstring problem during the warm-up against Brentford on Tuesday.
It has not only left Swans boss Steve Coper sweating on his fitness but also Wales after he was named in the squad for this month’s international triple header.
“We’re going to give him every chance,” said Cooper, who admitted he was not sure if Cabango would be fit in time.
“I don’t think it’s going to be as bad as it could have been, but it’s still a little bit inconclusive. Hopefully he’ll be available, but we’ll find out a bit more later.
“It’s that usual case, we’ve got loads of games, and I know Ben didn’t play the other day, but everything’s a bit of a rush and it comes around quickly.
“Players report in and will get checked in as normal. Ben, a little bit more serious with his check, and we’ll find out whether he’s available to play, be on the bench or not.
“We wouldn’t take any risks with any players, certainly with muscle injuries. We need to try to keep everyone as available as possible for the duration, which is going to be hard, because of the nature of the schedule.
Cooper said whether Cabango would be fit to link-up with Wales would be assessed after the trip to Carrow Road as his side look to maintain their fine start to the season.
“It depends on his availability for Swansea first, but after that we’ll cross those bridges as they come,” added Cooper.
Cooper may not want to risk Cabango given their demanding schedule with the game at Norwich their seventh in just 22 days.
And after the international break they will have a run of nine in 28 games.
But Cooper insists the Swans will be ready for the intense spell as they look to mantain their spot among the Championship front-runners.
“I feel we are progressing, we are playing with the ideas and intentions I want the team to play with,” said Cooper.
“There is always room for improvement, of course. The points return so far has been decent, it could have been more had we done some things better or had some bits of luck go our way.
“But I just want to look forward, we know this league chucks a lot at you week in and week out.
“It’s a season that is about getting ready for the next game and giving that everything you have got.
“We are going to embrace it and enjoy it. We will treat it as a positive challenge because there is everything to play for and everything to look forward to.
“So, bring it on. No-one is at a disadvantage. It’s the same schedule for everyone, albeit we probably have to travel a bit more than most side, but everything will level out.
“Let’s go for it.”