5 Reasons Why Swansea May Struggle To Avoid Relegation

3. Michu Is Not Yet Fit

As mentioned previously, Michu was the on-field cornerstone of Swansea's success last season, but an injury-hit campaign this time around has seen only two goals in 12 appearances. Without Michu, Swansea's attacking play has lacked a cutting edge, and their possession-based game has seemed stale in comparison. As the club gears up for the weekend's crucial derby at home to Cardiff, Michu is being touted for a partial return, but the doubt as to whether he will last the whole match does not bode well. Before Laudrup's sacking, he described Michu's comeback from ankle surgery as like a new signing, a phrase hated by transfer-hungry fans, but in this case it is true. A fit Michu will surely make the difference for this Swansea side, at least going forward, but he must be eased in slowly. By the time the easing-in process is complete, Swansea could be in even bigger trouble if they can't find a way to win games without Michu. Eight league wins in 35 since last season's League Cup success would suggest that Swansea have lost that knack, even with their star Spaniard.