Josh Key: Swansea City right-back faces spell out with hamstring injury

High-flying Swansea City have suffered an injury blow with defender Josh Key facing a significant lay-off.

Key was absent as Swansea climbed back to the top of the Championship table courtesy of a hard-fought 2-1 win at Lincoln City on Saturday.

The 26-year-old, the one out-and-out right-back in Vitor Matos’ squad, came off at half-time during last weekend’s win over Burnley and is now expected to miss several games after the international break.

“Josh will stay out for a little bit – the club will announce it,” said Swansea head coach Matos.

When asked if that meant a lengthy spell on the sidelines for Key, Matos added: “It could be.”

With Key missing, academy product Filip Lissah – who grew up as a central defender – is the only right-back option in Swansea’s senior squad.

The 21-year-old put in a solid shift on the right flank of Matos’ defence as the Swans triumphed at Lincoln, though he did pick up a booking, which leaves him only one further caution away from a one-match ban.

“We all know how important Keysey (Key) is for us,” Matos added.

“We have Fil who played a massive game today, but we understand that all we can do now is help Keysey to recover and then adjust the team in terms of our idea and keep moving forward.”

Swansea have a three-week break before returning to action with a home game against Norwich City on Saturday, 10 October.

The Canaries’ visit starts a hectic spell in which Swansea play seven league fixtures in 28 days.