Swansea City striker Ross Stewart faces a spell on the sidelines with a quad injury. The 30-year-old Scotland international is expected to miss the club's next four matches, head coach Vitor Matos confirmed.
This news comes as Swansea sit top of the Championship with 10 points from their first four games. They have the league's best defensive record, conceding just one goal, and have scored seven times. Stewart missed the recent wins over Derby County and Watford, and his absence will be felt ahead of Saturday's home fixture against Wrexham, who are currently 11th.
Vitor Matos provided a clear timeline for the striker's recovery. "Ross had a soft tissue injury, not massive, but probably he can return in the international break," the Swansea head coach said. This means Stewart will be unavailable for the upcoming home game with Wrexham, the trip to his former club Southampton next Tuesday, and the fixtures against Burnley and Lincoln City. His only appearance this season was as a substitute in the goalless draw with Sheffield United 11 days ago. Stewart joined the Swans on a three-year contract just last month.
Swansea's injury concerns are not limited to their attack. Captain and centre-back Ben Cabango is also sidelined with a heel problem picked up in the Sheffield United match. He missed the victories at Derby and against Watford. Matos indicated Cabango has a chance of returning for the Wrexham clash, but stated there is no guarantee he would immediately slot back into the starting lineup. The club's current injuries list also includes Cameron Burgess and Gonçalo Franco.
Losing a key summer signing is a challenge for any squad, but Swansea's early-season form provides a solid foundation. The team has taken maximum points from three of its four league outings, with a draw at Sheffield United. Their defensive solidity, with only one goal conceded, has been a major factor in their rise to the summit of the standings. Managing Stewart's absence will test the squad's depth during a congested period before the September international break.
The international break at the end of this month is the target for Stewart's comeback. During that period, his national team Scotland will play Nations League matches against Slovenia, Switzerland and North Macedonia. His return would then be a boost for Swansea's squad as they prepare for the next phase of the Championship campaign. Fans can track the team's upcoming schedule on the club's fixtures page. Swansea host Wrexham at home on Saturday, September 5th.
