Joe Rodon is facing six weeks out of action having been taken off in the win over Sheffield United last weekend.

The 21-year-old was forced off halfway through the first half with what has turned out to be a broken metatarsal in his left foot, the club has confirmed.

It means the defender could be out for up to nine matches in league and cup in what will be a substantial blow to Graham Potter’s side, considering their improving league position.

The league pauses, meanwhile, for a handful of teams this weekend as the FA Cup fourth round is played.

And that is the case for Potter’s men heading into this Saturday’s home tie against League One Gillingham.

Wayne Routledge was withdrawn at half-time in the win over the Blades with a calf problem and is being assessed by the Swans medical team ahead of the second-tier side’s cup game this weekend.

With one player a certainty to miss out this weekend and another doubtful, there is at least some good news for the Welsh side.

Wilfried Bony is back fit and played a full part in training with four days left before the FA Cup tie with the Gills.

The 29-year-old missed the win over Chris Wilder’s team due to a knee injury and was not risked.

But he should be back in contention this weekend to line up in the fourth round of the world's oldest cup competition.

The verdict

Some mixed news here for the Swans.

Two players could be missing this weekend, both of whom have been pretty reliable for the Championship club this season.

But in better news, Bony will be back and available to take on the Kent side in the FA Cup this weekend.

It’s a mixed bag for Potter’s side, but he will have to make do with what he has at his disposal and look to rally his team and improve on last Saturday’s win over the Blades.