Swansea midfielder Franco facing lengthy spell out

Swansea midfielder Franco facing lengthy spell outImage source, Huw Evans Picture AgencyImage caption, Goncalo Franco was Swansea's player of the year in 2024-25 and enjoyed another positive season in 2025-26 ByGareth VincentBBC Sport WalesPublished3 minutes agoCommentsSwansea City midfielder Goncalo Franco is facing 10 to 12 weeks on the sidelines because of an ankle ligament injury.The 25-year-old was hurt in an accidental collision during a behind-closed-doors game held at Swansea's Fairwood training ground last Saturday against Exeter City.The news is a heavy blow for the Swans with the start of the new Championship season just a month away.Franco has been an influential figure since joining from Moreirense in the summer of 2024, scoring six goals in 91 appearances for the Welsh club.News of his injury setback comes after Ethan Galbraith left Swansea for Stoke City, meaning head coach Vitor Matos has lost two of his leading midfield players inside a fortnight.Council agrees Swansea.com Stadium sale to SwansPublished2 hours agoEx-Wales rugby star's son signs Swansea contractPublished7 JulySwansea have also said farewell this summer to another midfielder, Malick Yalcouye, after he played 36 times while on loan from Brighton and Hove Albion last season.As it stands, the likes of Marko Stamenic, Jay Fulton, Melker Widell and Leo Walta are options in central midfield, where Swansea now look a little light on numbers having had good depth last season. Matos' team start the 2026-27 campaign with a Carabao Cup tie against Birmingham City on Saturday, 8 August, with the league season beginning with a trip to Stoke the following weekend.Swansea's only summer signings to date are centre-back Stephen Welsh and winger Moussa Yeo.Related topicsFootballChampionshipSwansea CityWales SportWelsh FootballMore on this storyLatest Swansea City news, analysis and fan views