Swansea City are likely to recall Oli McBurnie to their starting XI to take on Middlesbrough this weekend.

Graham Potter rested McBurnie in the mid-week clash with Stoke City, with the Scottish striker limited to a substitute appearance.

However, the striker, who has scored four goals so far this season for the Swans, looks set for a recall to the starting line-up this weekend, with Potter’s side travelling to the North East to take on high-flying Middlesbrough.

Speaking to Swansea’s official website, Potter hinted that the 22-year-old would feature from the start at the Riverside Stadium: “You can anticipate that he will play.”

McBurnie featured in all five of Swansea’s fixtures prior to the first international break of the season, with that period when all his goals came.

Since then he managed 90 minutes against Nottingham Forest and 26 against Stoke.

Potter revealed that the striker was rested against Stoke due to an injury problem that he has been playing with, he stated: “The truth is he has been playing with a cracked bone in his foot and he has also had a problem with his knee. 

“He had two days of training before Nottingham Forest and he had to miss the international games, so he is not at full fitness.

“When you add it all up, it felt as if it was the right time to leave him out from the start at Stoke.” 

In the absence of McBurnie at Stoke, Swansea were beaten 1-0, with ex-Swan Joe Allen scoring the game’s only goal.

Potter will be hoping his side can return to winning ways against Middlesbrough, who have 17 points to their name after eight fixtures.

The Verdict

This is a really big boost for Swansea, who missed McBurnie against Stoke.

Hopefully a rest has done the striker good, as he is so, so important to this Swansea side.

He offers a presence up front, which is going to be vital against some physical Middlesbrough defenders.

Thoughts? Let us know!