Skipper Williams’ Swan Song Is Sung

Wales captain Ashley Williams will not play for Swansea City again this season. Pic: Getty Images

Skipper Williams’ Swan Song Is Sung

Ashley Williams has finished his season with Swansea City two matches before the end of the campaign.

The Swans skipper has been rested for Saturday’s visit to West Ham and will also be left on the sidelines for the final Premier League fixture of the season at home to Manchester City eight days later.

The decision has been taken by head coach Francesco Guidolin in order to help Williams prepare for next month’s Euro 2016 finals campaign with Wales.

His fellow Wales defender Neil Taylor will also be given time out, as will France-bound Icelandic midfielder Gylfi Sigurdsson.

Guidolin has revealed that Taylor has been playing recently with a groin injury, while Sigurdsson has been carrying a shoulder problem.

Now that the Italian coach has guided the club to Premier League security for another season, the three players will be given a breather – although all will remain with the squad.

Swansea’s other Euro finalist, Polish goalkeeper Lukasz Fabianski, however, is likely to play in both remaining fixtures.

“With Ash, it is better to rest him so that he can be prepared properly for next season, while Neil and Gylfi need treatment,” said Guidolin.

“Ash is tired because he has played a lot of games this season. After the Euros, players will need three weeks of holidays and if I stay here then pre-season starts on July 4 for the other players.”

Williams has played 43 matches for club and country this season, but had arguably his least convincing display two weeks ago in the 4-0 defeat at Leicester City.

Taylor has played 39 games and, like Williams, the expected challengers to his position in the team, have faded away.

Guidolin – who remains an option for Watford should they decide to get rid of manager Quique Sánchez Flores – is still uncertain of his own future at the Liberty Stadium.

The 61-year-old former Udinese manager was drafted in to ensure the club avoided relegation, but with that task accomplished there has only been silence from chairman Huw Jenkins over whether his short-term contract will be extended.

Guidolin added: “It is not clear. I have spoken to the chairman and a decision will be made at the end of the season, before the last game v Manchester City.

“Nothing has changed for me. I spoke to him yesterday. It’s not my decision and I won’t speak more about this. I hope that in 10 days we will know the future.

“I would like to stay here. I like the town, the club and I’m proud of my players. But if it’s not possible, it’s not possible. My career could be in another situation, hopefully in the Premier League, but it’s not my decision.”

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