Swansea City midfielder Goncalo Franco will miss the start of the Championship season after undergoing surgery on an ankle ligament injury sustained during a behind-closed-doors friendly against Exeter City at the club's Fairwood training ground last weekend.
The 25-year-old Portuguese midfielder suffered the injury in an accidental collision and is now expected to be sidelined for 10 to 12 weeks, ruling him out of the opening two months of the league campaign, which begins on August 14.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Swans confirmed the setback: "Swansea City midfielder Gonçalo Franco will miss the start of the Championship season after undergoing surgery on an ankle injury. A scan revealed the 25-year-old suffered ligament damage during a behind-closed-doors friendly. Franco has subsequently undergone a successful operation and the recovery process is expected to take 10 to 12 weeks."
Key Player Absence
Franco's absence is a significant blow to manager Vitor Matos, as the midfielder has been an influential figure since joining from Moreirense in 2024. He has made 91 appearances for the Swans, scoring six goals, and won two club Player of the Season awards following his debut campaign in Wales.
Franco joins Ethan Galbraith in departing the midfield, with Galbraith having moved to Stoke City earlier this month. Brighton loanee Malick Yalcouye has also returned to the south coast after 36 appearances last season, leaving Matos with limited depth in central midfield.
Summer Transfer Activity
Swansea's summer signings so far have focused on defence and attack, with centre-back Stephen Welsh and winger Moussa Yeo joining the club. However, central midfield options remain for Matos, including Marko Stamenic, Jay Fulton, Melker Widell, and Leo Walta.
The Swans begin their 2026/27 campaign on August 8 with a Carabao Cup tie against Birmingham City, followed by a league opener away at Stoke City on August 15.
