Stewart not ready as Franco eyes early return

Ross Stewart training in Scotland colours Image source, Getty Images
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New Swansea City signing Ross Stewart will not be considered for Saturday's EFL Cup tie with Birmingham City because of a lack of fitness.

The striker has signed a three-year deal with Swansea having been a free agent after leaving Southampton in June.

Though he went to the World Cup with Scotland, Stewart has joined Swansea having been without a club during pre-season.

"He will not be involved [against Birmingham]," said Swansea head coach Vitor Matos.

"He has missed all pre-season so he will need to start and step by step, [he will] get into the team."

Swansea's only other absentee for the Birmingham game is Goncalo Franco, who has been sidelined since suffering an ankle injury in the early stages of pre-season.

In mid-July, Swansea said the midfielder would be out for up to 12 weeks after undergoing surgery.

However, Franco is on course to come back earlier than expected, with the 25-year-old hoping to return to training by the end of August.

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