Stephen Welsh cleared of serious knee injury as Swansea receive fitness boost

Stephen Welsh has been cleared of serious knee injury after scans eased Swansea City's concerns over the defender, BBC Sport reported on Thursday. The Scotland international was hurt in a challenge by Ebou Adams during Tuesday's 3-1 defeat at Portsmouth, prompting fears that he had sustained ligament damage.

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Head coach Vitor Matos said the scan was clear and described Welsh's problem as a painful knock rather than a major injury. That leaves open the possibility of an early return, but it does not amount to clearance to play. Swansea will continue assessing whether he can be involved against Birmingham City on Saturday.

Welsh's international availability is also unresolved. Matos said no decision had been taken on whether the 26-year-old would join Scotland during the break that follows the Birmingham match. BBC Sport noted that Welsh has started 13 of Swansea's 14 league fixtures this season, underlining how regularly the centre-back has featured before this setback.

There was further encouragement concerning captain Ben Cabango, who replaced Welsh at Portsmouth after beginning the match on the bench. According to WalesOnline's reporting of Matos's update, Cabango had been unable to train beforehand because of a painful knock suffered against Blackburn. A scan found no serious problem, and Matos confirmed the defender was training again and available.

Wingers Eom Jisung and Moussa Yeo are also available again. WalesOnline reported that Eom had been unable to train after taking two knocks against Blackburn, but had returned to training and was feeling better. Yeo, meanwhile, trained normally and rejoined the available squad after his recent absence with a hamstring problem.

Swansea still have midfield absences to manage. Melker Widell will miss the Birmingham game after being substituted at half-time against Portsmouth with a minor hamstring problem. Stephen Eustaquio remains out with a groin injury and has withdrawn from Canada duty. BBC Sport reported that Widell is expected back for West Bromwich Albion's visit on November 21, while Swansea hope Eustaquio can also return for that fixture.