Swans fans will be disappointed to learn that Kristian Fletcher who has made a big impact on the U21 side will more than likely be returning to DC Utd at the end of his loan / trial with Swansea City. Jason Levien who is a part of the majority ownership has clarified Kristian’s immediate future.

With the youngster knocking in goals regularly for the age grade side it seems that hasn’t been enough for Michael Duff to pick him in the first team squad. Talking about the youngster Levien seemed pretty keen for him to return to DC Utd and work under the guidance of new coach, Frédéric Brillant. “I think it’s fantastic that Kristian is having the success he’s having and the experience he’s having. We want him playing first-team soccer or football to get that experience as well. So right now we expect that he’ll be back with D.C. United. We’re going to talk to him and both clubs about that, figure out what’s the best path for his development. But I think with a new coach coming into D.C. and new leadership in soccer operations, I think it’s a great opportunity for Kristian.”

Well, that makes things pretty clear, Swans head coach, Michael Duff has already stated he isn’t in his immediate plans, playing reserve team football for the experience seems to be his lot. You know that feeling you get when you know if he would be given a chance it would pay off ? It’s a shame.

Read our report on Kristian and Kyrel Wilson from yesterday below.

⚽️ Why not now ?

Tonight’s game against Leeds United brings with it a tougher and more immediate issue for Michael Duff. Talking of loan moves Leeds United head coach Daniel Farke has been praising his medical staff now that only a Stuart Dallas is the only player out of his large squad. "But the credit goes to the sporting staff. They are doing outstanding work, but also to the players. We speak a lot about how we live, work, sleep, and these good behaviors. This is what they are doing at the moment. Of course, there are no guarantees, and there can be a knock or a foul like Daniel James suffered in the last game…this is usually a penalty, but you can’t avoid it and it is a competitive sport with injuries. But we have to reduce the amount of injuries, and at the moment, everyone who supports us is doing a fantastic job.”

On the Swans he is an admirer. “I really like them and still see they are good in their passing quality and possession, have intensity to their game and work with counter attacks. They’re a team with different threats and difficult to predict.They have many quality players for this level and we have to be respectful, to return to winning ways. We need a strong performance. I've mentioned at the beginning of the season that one of our key topics was to make Elland Road a fortress. If you want to be in a good position at the end of the season, you have to win points in your home games."

Farke is happy but Michael Duff has injury concerns all over the pitch. Azeem Abdulai, Mykola Kuharevich and Joe Allen Are back in training but some weeks away if Michael Duff is to be believed. Josh Key had a few minutes on Saturday but will be considered a gamble if he is named in the starting eleven. Harrison Ashby left the field holding his hamstring on Saturday and is doubtful. Nathan Wood is out for a long period and Josh Ginnelly is out for the season. On Harrison Ashby, his parent club have stated that they have no plans to return him to St James Park this season. Only a significant injury would trigger that option now. As for Kristian Pedersen he seems to have been forgotten. Maybe the Swans should loan in the Leeds medical team to help out ?

We expect Yannick Bolasie to feature tonight, he has signed an eight week short term contract with the swans. He has impressed enough to be offered a chance at Swansea after a long career in the game, he is thirty four. Jerry Yates, Liam Cullen and Jamal Lowe are fit. Cullen back after a one match suspension against Hull City. Matt Grimes will start and it’s a question of Duff’s mindset for this game whether he chooses Jay Fulton, Charlie Patino or Ollie Cooper for this game in midfield. At the back Josh Tymon is fit and Bashir Humphreys alongside Ben Cabango or Harry Darling is the selection issue, unless Duff modifies his defence and plays Bashir out wide. That’s a possibility and he has done that before. As mentioned above Kristian Pedersen is rarely referred to.

We do have a little more information from within the camp but it isn’t right we publish anything this morning as it would be considered harmful to the Swans strategy for tonight’s match. The game kicks off at 7.45pm and can be watched LIVE a on the Sky Sports Red button. Teams and latest info later.

Artwork by Swansea Independent

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