By Paul Jones
Swansea City’s Korey Smith is set to return to face his first club Norwich City in Friday’s table-topping Championship clash at the Liberty Stadium.
The midfielder has missed the last three matches with a thigh injury but head coach Steve Cooper is hopeful Smith will be back for the contest between what were the league’s top two until Brentford’s midweek win over Bristol City.
Smith, 30, joined the Swans from Bristol City on a free transfer last summer and quickly became a key component in Cooper’s side.
Up until his injury against Barnsley earlier this month, he had played in 22 of the club’s 24 Championship matches and his composure and experience had been a notable asset.
“Korey’s close, so I’m hoping he’ll be available to be involved on Friday,” said Cooper.
“Kyle Naughton is also back from his one-match suspension. We have no other injuries, touch wood, picked up this week, so we’re in good shape.”
New loan recruit Paul Arriola will not be available as he sorts out his arrival from the USA, but fellow new signings Morgan Whittaker and Kieron Freeman are in contention.
Arriola signed for the Swans on loan from DC United on Monday night, although he remains in the US.
Whittaker, who joined from Derby County, has been described by Cooper as one for the future, although there is a possibility he could feature immediately with Liam Cullen having been ruled out for the season.
“How much of an impact he’ll have short-term, we’re not too sure,” added Cooper.
“We’re really happy he’s with us. He’s a young player with potential and we’re looking forward to seeing him develop.”
Freeman, a who moved from Swindon Town, could also be in the squad on Friday night, which would see the defender link up against with Wales international colleague Connor Roberts.
Former Sheffield United player Freeman played a key role in the Blades team that won promotion from League One in 2017, before featuring over 20 times as Chris Wilder’s side reached the Premier League two seasons ago.
“When we got promoted from League One, I played the majority of the games,” he said.
“Coming into the Championship and then finishing tenth, we soon realised it isn’t just about 11 players – it is a squad game, there are a lot of midweek games and it is all about how good your squad is.
“You have to stick together because everyone has a part to play.”
The Swans are currently in third, but a win over Norwich would put them back in second – two points behind, but with a game in hand.
Norwich may be title favourites, but they have won just one of their last four on the road in all competitions.
They have also lost once and drawn twice in their last three games, during which they have failed to score.
Cooper added: “Training has been excellent this week, as it has been for a number of weeks. We look forward to a good game on Friday night.”