Carlos Carvalhal plays down Alfie Mawson injury fears

Swansea City boss Carlos Carvalhal has revealed that he does not expect Alfie Mawson to spend any serious length of time on the sidelines after injuring his knee ahead of Saturday's FA Cup meeting with Sheffield Wednesday.

The 24-year-old was spotted wearing a leg brace shortly after pulling out of the Swans' squad as a result of the injury sustained during the pre-match warm-up.

Mawson had been due to feature for the Swans in front of watching England manager Gareth Southgate, having been tipped to earn a place among the Three Lions' travelling party for Russia 2018.

Carvalhal is happy to see Mawson get the recognition that he deserves, and hopes that the centre-back returns to action as soon as possible.

"I talked to the doctor; he has locked his knee in the past and it happened again today," he told reporters after the fifth-round tie at Hillsborough, which ended in a goalless draw.

"Before it had stabilised and he had played and trained. This time it happened and it stayed locked. I spoke to him after the game. He says it feels much better, I don't think it is a big problem but let's see if there is a big problem or not a problem.

"The next two days will tell us more. I don't like to interfere in the work of my colleagues, but [the England staff] must look at him because he is a top centre-half."

Mawson has been used 32 times in all competitions for Swansea this season, including in three previous FA Cup ties.