Premier League preview: Chelsea v Swansea

Swansea have it all to do on their trip to Stamford Bridge on Saturday, with the squad hit by an injury crisis in defence.

A week after posting their first ever English Premier League with a 3-0 triumph against West Brom, Brendan Rodgers’ men will have the imposing task of holding Chelsea at bay in London.

The injury crisis is so bad at the newly promoted outfit that captain Garry Monk, who is still bothered by a foot injury suffered late last season, will have to play through the pain barrier to take part in the game.

“We all know I’m not 100 percent, but it is needs must at the moment,” Monk said.

“We’ve had a difficult couple of weeks with injuries and things so we just have to try to get through it.”

“If we had a fully fit squad I have to admit – and I am sure the gaffer will say the same – I probably would not have played last Saturday.”

Alan Tate’s broken leg and a knee injury to Steven Caulker have also forced changes across the backline, while midfielder Kemu Agustien and striker Craig Beattie are also in doubt.

To compound Rodgers’ worries, he will be taking on a Chelsea squad in good form and at almost full strength.

Despite suffering a 3-1 loss against Manchester United at Old Trafford in their most recent game, Chelsea are in third place in the English Premier League table.

But manager Andre Villas-Boas will be concerned that they trail United by five points just five games into the campaign

In team news, midfielder Michael Essien remains unavailable for Chelsea due to a severe knee injury.

Villas-Boas could also be without striker Daniel Sturridge and goalkeeper Petr Cech after both were forced off with knocks in the midweek Carling Cup win over Fulham.