Swansea City were handed a boost as the club plan for another push for promotion. Three players who have suffered long term injuries will be in contention for the start of the season.
Bayo Akinfenwa , Darren Way and Owain Tudor Jones are all expected to be near fitness for the 2007/08 season. Darren Way has been a long term injury with the swans and underwent surgery in January 2007. He was last seen in a swans shirt against chesterfield on the 14th October in a 2-2 draw at Salter gate . Darren has been working extensively with the commercial side of the club and was voted Club man of the year in the end of season awards dinner.
Swansea City Physio Richie Evans spoke to the south wales evening post On Darren’s Recovery:
| ”His problem stems back to his Yeovil days and we were just unlucky to catch him when we did…’Darren is a quality player and hopefully now he will have the chance to show what an asset he can be to this club’ |
Bayo Akifenwa has been sorely missed in the Swansea Attack, with his sheer presence and strength causes havoc in the opposition defense. Bayo suffered a leg brake just before half time in the 2-0 loss against Scunthorpe United in February.
Swansea City Physio Richie Evans On Bayo’s Recovery:
| ‘Bayo is also looking at September…He came off the crutches a week ago and he will start running in three weeks’ time…He’s already working very hard in the gym and the consultant is very optimistic we’ll have a positive outcome.’ |
Also in contention is Owain Tudor Jones who suffered a Knee Injury and has had specialist treatment in America. Owain is a vital asset to the club after costing only £5000 from League of Wales Outfit Bangor City after a successful trial.
Swansea City Physio Richie Evans On OTJ’s Recovery from the evening post:
| ”Owain has been out to America to see the specialist, Dr (Richard) Steadman, and he was really happy with the condition of the knee….He is now concentrating on a strengthening programme and is coming along quite nicely…We will start him running at the start of pre-season and a realistic target for him to be playing again is late August or early September.’ |
This is a timely boost for the swans after the midfeild area has been much depleted in the later stages of the season. Steven Watt , Shaun McDonald , Garry Monk and Darren Prately could be ready for pre season training.
