Swansea reinforcements vital, says manager Brendan Rodgers
Last updated on .From the section Football
Manager Brendan Rodgers has spoken of the need to strengthen Swansea City's squad following a number of injuries.
The Swans have lost Alan Tate, Steven Caulker, Kemy Agustien, Craig Beattie and Andrea Orlandi to injuries.
And in a further blow, Fifa has refused the club international clearance to complete the transfers of Darnell Situ and Rafik Halliche.
"We really are small in terms of numbers now and there's no doubt we need to reinforce it," he said.
With the Premier League transfer window now closed, Swansea can only sign players who are out of contract.
On loan Spurs defender Steven Caulker will be out for up to eight weeks after suffering a knee injury in the 1-0 defeat against Arsenal.
Midfielder Kemy Agustien will miss the next six weeks due to a hamstring injury while striker Craig Beattie will be absent for eight weeks after damaging ankle ligament.
The Premier League new-boys have already lost Alan Tate, who will be out for six months following a golfing accident.
And although captain Garry Monk is available for Saturday's match at the Liberty Stadium, Rodgers is keen to add defensive reinforcements to his squad.
"I think it's vital for us, there's no getting away from that," added Rodgers.
"In this moment we've got Ashley Williams, who has been outstanding, and Garry Monk who is yet to feature.
"What has been incredible since I've been here is we've always had that strength in depth where players on the side sometimes could not get even into the squad.
"Through unfortunate circumstances we've lost Alan Tate who has been a tremendous cover player for us and played a lot of games last season.
"[And] players that maybe can go in and fill in, the likes of Kemy [Agustien], who can play in that position, is out.
"I also think [of] players like Craig Beattie, who we have seen a number of times dropping back into centre half and [who] has been fantastic in that position, is also out."
Rodgers had hoped to strengthen his squad with the additions of transfer deadline day signings Situ and Halliche.
But the Swans manager has been left frustrated by Fifa's decision not to give international clearance for the two defenders.
"Obviously Fifa are the people who are saying it's not valid at this point," he said.
"Obviously if it's to be the case then it's very disappointing.
"But until we get written evidence of that we'll await to see what we get in writing before anything else is announced."
Swansea, who are still seeking their first win and their first goal in the Premier League, host West Brom on Saturday.
And Rodgers has challenged his side to make the most of home advantage after their last two matches at the Liberty Stadium ended goalless.
"Again it will be another tough nut to crack," said Rodgers. "Obviously they had a great result last week away at Norwich.
"They will come with confidence but our home form has been tremendous since I've been here and again we're looking to put in a good performance that merits a win.
"When you're a newly promoted team your home games are very, very important to you.
"We've had two excellent games here at home where we could have arguably have won both games."
Swansea have yet to score in over six hours of Premier League action, with record signing Danny Graham yet to open his account for the club.
But Rodgers has backed the summer recruit from Watford and believes the goals will flow once he opens his account.
"What you always get from Danny is honesty and work-rate and quality in his play," said Rodgers.
"Whether he's scoring or not is something that doesn't affect him.
"The pleasing thing for me [is] in every game he's played in he's looked like he's going to score.
"There's a major worry if he's never in the box and he's not getting the final touches onto crosses.
"It's only going to be a matter of time and I think when he does he will go on a run of scoring goals.
"But it's not just Danny Graham. No one else has scored either."
