Stephen Eustaquio has returned to Swansea City training ahead of Saturday's key Championship fixture against West Ham United, providing a potential boost for the league leaders. The Canadian midfielder, who missed recent wins over Norwich City and Millwall with a shoulder injury, is now under assessment for the weekend. Head coach Vitor Matos confirmed the 29-year-old's return but said a final decision on his availability would be made after one more session. "Of course I would prefer to have everyone available, but we don't have, so we will find a solution," Matos told reporters.
Matos on selection and squad options
The squad is dealing with confirmed absences in defence. Right-back Josh Key remains in rehabilitation for a hamstring problem, while defender Filip Lissah is suspended after collecting his fifth yellow card of the season at Millwall. This leaves Swansea without a recognised right-back for the visit of third-placed West Ham. Matos is exploring multiple options to fill the vacancy. Centre-half Stephen Welsh is viewed as the likeliest stand-in, with switching left-backs Josh Tymon or Tiago Parente also possibilities. Dropping winger Ronald back is another option under consideration. "There's a lot of possibilities that we are seeing, and we will try to find the one that will balance the team," Matos said, preferring to keep his final selection plans secret.
Context: Swansea’s form and West Ham’s threat
The match is a top-of-the-table clash between the league's top two sides, with Swansea currently topping the standings with 23 points from 10 games and riding a four-game winning streak. West Ham moved up to third after a 6-0 win at Lincoln on Wednesday night and trail Swansea by two points. The Hammers' recent form makes them a significant threat at SA1 on Saturday afternoon. Seventeen-year-old winger Jeremy Monga, who joined on loan from Manchester City on deadline day, has yet to make the matchday squad. Matos said with a competitive group, he has to pick a bench that covers every potential scenario in the game. Vitor Matos will make a final call on Stephen Eustaquio’s availability after one more training session before the Saturday match against West Ham.
More detail at bbc.co.uk
