Cameron Burgess was taken to hospital for a scan after limping off in Swansea City's 1-0 defeat to Birmingham City in the League Cup on Saturday. Head coach Vitor Matos fears the centre-back could face a significant spell on the sidelines.
The Australian international was injured in the 87th minute, forcing the Swans to finish the game with 10 men after Matos had used all his substitutions. Burgess landed awkwardly and was clearly in discomfort as he left the pitch.
Matos: 'It doesn't look good'
Matos was reluctant to speculate on the extent of the injury but admitted his concern. "It doesn't look good but I prefer to wait for the assessment we will do," he said. "It could be related to the Achilles but let's see."
Burgess was one of only two outfield players to play every minute of every league game last season, making his potential absence a significant blow. However, Matos insists he has cover available.
Cover options and transfer plans
"Welshy is more than ready to come in. We can still play Lissah there so there's plenty of options," Matos said. "Then we go Josh Key on the right, that's good. All of them are ready at the moment to start."
Swansea were already keen to add a centre-back before the transfer window closes, with Rangers' John Souttar among those linked. An injury to Burgess could accelerate those plans.
"From when that [his injury] is confirmed, of course we need to reassess the situation and think what we can do in the market," Matos added. When asked about a possible new arrival before the trip to Stoke City next weekend, he said: "Let's see. The market's open. Everything can happen. We never know. So we are ready to receive the players that will help us to be a better team."
