Michu: Swansea City waiting on Spain forward's fitness

Forward Michu is still struggling with ankle problems as Swansea City prepare for Wednesday's Premier League game at Stoke City.

The 27-year-old has been sidelined since having ankle surgery at the end of December.

Swansea head coach Garry Monk said the Spaniard had been forced to sit out of training because of a swollen ankle.

"He didn't train today [Monday] but maybe he could play some part tomorrow [Tuesday]," Monk said.

"We have to wait and see."

Michu, Swansea's top-scorer last season, has not featured since the 1-1 draw at Norwich City on 14 December.

Monk, who replaced Michael Laudrup as manager, is keen to have Michu back in action as Swansea look to ease any relegation worries.

"I've had good chats with Michu and whatever his decisions are in terms of training, we'll build it around him," Monk added.

"He's a massive player and any player like that in your squad adds to the quality and gives everyone around a boost.

"It's important to have players like that within your squad because it pushes other players that are in those positions.

"It gives the team a lift and it gives the fans a lift as well."

Midfielder Jonjo Shelvey is also currently sidelined with a hamstring injury but Monk is hopeful the England international will not be out of action for an extended period.

Monk began his managerial career with an impressive 3-0 victory over south Wales rivals Cardiff City last Saturday.

Victory at the Liberty Stadium put Swansea four points clear of the relegation zone but Monk has not set his players a points target.

The former Southampton defender is taking each game at a time, starting with Wednesday's trip to Stoke.

"You can't look too far ahead, there's no point. If you look too far ahead you lose track of what you are trying to do," Monk said.

"The only target I've given them is to try and win the game on Wednesday.

"The message to them is they set the standard on Saturday, the standard you need to reach.

"It's no good doing it for one game or two games. You have to do it for every single game."