Calf injury rules Galbraith out for rest of season

Swansea City midfielder and right-back Ethan Galbraith is set to miss the rest of the season with a calf injury.

Galbraith was left out of the Swans' squad for Friday's 3-3 Championship draw at Sheffield United after picking up the problem on international duty with Northern Ireland.

The 24-year-old had played in both of his country's matches during last month's window, their World Cup play-off semi-final defeat in Italy and a friendly draw in Wales.

Galbraith has been one of Swansea's best players this season, impressing in midfield and defence.

"Ethan has a calf strain so he's really unlikely to play again this season," said Swansea head coach Vitor Matos.

"It will be around six to eight weeks. Nothing I can control – it happened during the international period."

Swansea are 16th in the Championship and do not have much to play for in their remaining six games of the season, with neither promotion nor relegation a realistic prospect.

However, losing a player of Galbraith's quality is still a blow considering how impressive a first season he has enjoyed in south Wales.

Galbraith's contract runs until 2028 with the option of a further year, but the Swans could hand the former Manchester United player an improved deal as a reward for his contribution this term.

Swansea are next in action at home against promotion hopefuls Middlesbrough on Monday (17:30 BST).