Adobe Flash Player Required.
Download the latest version here.

Laudrup in left-back search

3 September 2012-PA Sport

Neil Taylor

Gone... Swansea's Neil Taylor is out for the season after breaking his ankle (Getty Images)

Swansea City manager Michael Laudrup is set to launch a search for a free-agent left-back after Neil Taylor was ruled out for the rest of the season with the injury he suffered in Saturday's 2-2 draw against Sunderland.

The 23-year-old Wales international, who featured for Team GB at the Olympics, dislocated and broke his ankle in three places after his lower left leg buckled under him as he challenged Craig Gardner.

Ben Davies replaced Taylor on Saturday and the 19-year-old could now be set for a run in the team.

However, Taylor's injury is a big concern for Laudrup and the Dane wants to bolster his defence.

"Neil's injury is serious first of all for him as a person and a player," he told the South Wales Evening Post.

"One second you are out on the pitch running and playing, then suddenly you are out.

"You are talking a long time before Neil returns to the game, and we will have do something.

"We only have one left-back now and he is only 19, so we will see what we can do.

"Ben did well in pre-season and he did great against Sunderland, but he is 19 - you can't put so much responsibility on his shoulders.

"We can't go out and buy someone, but we need someone. We will have to wait and see what possibilities we have.

"What happens if Ben gets an injury or a little flu or whatever? We need an extra player."

Davies has been called up to the Wales squad as replacement for his injured team-mate.

If Laudrup cannot find a suitable player to bring to the Liberty Stadium, he also has the option to play Alan Tate at left-back or play right-back Angel Rangel out of position.

The full extent of Taylor's injury was revealed in a Swansea statement on Sunday.

"The surgeons worked hard on Neil's injury (on Saturday) night and did a very good job,'' said Swansea's head physio Kate Rees on the club's official website.

"He is comfortable and the surgeons are happy with the operation.

"While he should make a full recovery, the extent of the injury means Neil is likely to miss the rest of the season."

West Ham United Liverpool Andy Carroll

English Premier League

West Ham agrees Carroll fee

West Ham United's chances of signing Liverpool striker Andy Carroll on a permanent deal appear to now rest solely with the player after the two clubs reached agreement on a transfer fee.

0 Comments

ADVERTISEMENT
2012-2013 Champions

2012-2013 Champions

TWG presents the world's best club football teams, the ones that have secured title glory anyway, for season 2012-2013.

0 Comments

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT
The Da Vinci Cup (DVD)

The Da Vinci Cup (DVD)

Join Pauly Falzoni of Fat Pizza fame as he takes us behind the secret conspiracy of the world’s biggest sport.

The Fabric of the Cosmos (DVD)

The Fabric of the Cosmos (DVD)

A mind-blowing new exploration of space, time, and the very nature of reality.

  • '09 #1 Sports Soccer Website, Hitwise
  • '09 #1 Television Program, Hitwise
  • '08 #1 Sports Soccer Website, Hitwise