Leon Britton and Alfie Mawson to boost Swansea

Leon Britton has handed Swansea another boost after Alfie Mawson was cleared to return to training.

Mawson is set to return for the Premier League game at Brighton on Saturday after pulling out of Saturday’s FA Cup tie at Sheffield Wednesday just before kick-off.

England manager Gareth Southgate was at Hillsborough, with 24-year-old Mawson understood to be the subject of his scouting mission.

But Mawson was withdrawn from the team after his knee locked during the warm-up ahead of the goalless draw.

Mawson, however, is expected to be available for Swansea’s relegation battle with Brighton – the two teams separated by one point.

“After seeing a specialist and undergoing an MRI scan, the influential defender is set to rejoin his team-mates on the training ground ahead of the Brighton clash,” said a Swansea statement on the official club website.

The England Under-21 defender – who was the subject of strong West Ham interest in the January transfer window – has enhanced his reputation this season, particularly during Swansea’s recent revival under Carlos Carvalhal.

Mawson has played 51 consecutive Premier League matches – currently the most by any player in the competition.

Midfield veteran Britton could also feature in Carvalhal’s squad for the first time since the Portuguese was appointed at the end of December.

Britton has not played since the home defeat to Leicester on October 21, but he is nearing full fitness following an injection in his pelvis.

The 35-year-old, who spent two games in caretaker charge after Paul Clement’s December dismissal, is set to return to training on Thursday.

“His return to the fold will be particularly welcome given that fellow midfielders Renato Sanches (hamstring) and Leroy Fer (Achilles) are both on the sidelines,” the club added.