Thursday 8 September 2016 18:07, UK
Swansea manager Francesco Guidolin says record-signing Borja Baston could be on the bench to face "title contenders" Chelsea, live on Sky Sports' Super Sunday.
Baston is yet to make his debut for the Swans having completed a £15.5m move from Atletico Madrid this summer, and last week Guidolin was confident the striker would be available for selection against Chelsea this weekend after stepping up his training programme.
However, speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of the visit of the Blues, Guidolin admitted he is still uncertain whether Baston will be fit for the fixture despite overcoming injury.
"He is working, but he has to go slow (in training) for two or three days," said Guidolin. "He does not have an injury. I hope to have him available for the bench on Sunday, but I don't know. I am not sure at the moment.
"He worked with us last week but he needs some days where he works slowly. He is almost ready to play."
Guidolin also believes 22-year-old signing Alfie Mawson is almost ready to make his top-flight debut after impressing for Barnsley as the Tykes won promotion back to the Championship last season.
"He is a young player, but I like him," said Guidolin. "I think he is almost ready to play in the Premier League. It is early to say some things about him, but in training sessions he is like the other players.
"I think he will be a good surprise for our fans and our club."
Swansea have won just one of their opening three Premier League matches this season and Guidolin is expecting a difficult challenge against Antonio Conte's Chelsea side, who have a 100 per cent record so far.
"They are title contenders," Guidolin said. "I think they can win, but I think the same about Manchester City, Manchester United and maybe some other teams.
"In the Premier League there are four or five very strong teams and Chelsea are one of them.
"I think they have started well. This is important for a new manager and for the players."
Guidolin said he met with Conte every year during the pair's time in Serie A, with both managers having spent the majority of their careers in the Italian top flight.
"He usually won because Juventus were a very strong team," said Guidolin.
"He is having a good career as a manager. He is one of the most important managers in Europe."
