We have been told that Josh Key is out for what is expected to be a fairly long period after a first scan, as we reported in the week failed to identify the actual root cause of the injury. The damage is believed to be a hamstring but this is the second time this season Key has faced a long lay off.

A second scan will be done today. Having consulted a subscriber to the website we have learned that this is called a musculoskeletal ultrasound scan which assists once a basic scan reveals potential damage. The purpose in a professional athlete is to identify the real causes, prepare a treatment plan and it can also reveal where the deficiencies are in the athlete that causes injuries like this. It’s a more thorough examination of muscles and joints.

Either way, Key is out, Ashby isn’t ready for an immediate return, and we are left with a similar dilemma as to the one on Boxing Day. The Swans really do need to pick a more creative midfield, with Charlie Patino ( below ) out of favour and Juve representatives in London in the new year to entice the youngster to Italy. That said, the Italians want him in the summer if not in January. ( Daily Cannon) If he goes next week then obviously he will be recalled by the Gunners.

What is without doubt is that Patino when assisting goals or scoring them is of far more value to the Swans when playing. If we are just looking for goals scored or indeed assists.

Others are more concerned with his overall performances in a Swans shirt.

Team selection tomorrow will be a big clue possibly ?

More team news tomorrow in the lead up to the big Friday night game at Coventry City.

Photographs licensed from Reuters & Open Source

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