Monk Still A Doubt For Manchester City Opener

Swansea City manager Brendan Rodgers is still unsure whether or not Garry Monk will be available to feature in Monday's season opener away at Manchester City.

The Swans captain was fortunate to play in the Championship Play-Off Final at Wembley at the end of May, as he required injections to be fit, as he helped his side beat Reading 4-2 to win promotion to the Premier League.

Ever since he has been resting his troublesome foot and has yet to feature in any of the pre-season friendlies, which suggests that due to a lack of training and practise matches, he's most likely going to sit out Monday's game at the Etihad Stadium.

Rodgers told Wales Online:

"Garry did fantastically well to play in the play-off final and he struggled a little after that, but over the course of pre-season he has been doing great work," he said.

"He still has a little numbness in his foot, whether he will be ready remains to be seen but he will be very close.

"He has been doing all the cardiovascular work it is just his football fitness. He is getting there every day, he has a fantastic attitude and he is someone I want back sooner rather than later. He is a fantastic captain and if he is not ready for Monday he won`t be far away."

With Neil Taylor suspended following his red card at Nottingham Forest in the Play-Off semi-final first leg, Alan Tate is set to start at left back with Ashley Williams and Tottenham Hotspur loanee Steven Caulker in the centre. Angel Rangel will take up his usual position at right back.

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