Liam Walsh: Swansea City midfielder's future uncertain after latest injury setback
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Liam Walsh made his fifth start of 2023-24 against West Brom, but was substituted after just 10 minutes with a calf problem which threatens to end his season
Liam Walsh is facing an uncertain Swansea City future as the midfielder battles to overcome injury in time to play again this season.
Walsh, 26, sees his contract with the Championship club expire this summer.
The former Bristol City and Coventry City player has been out since New Year's Day with a calf problem, the latest in a line of injuries he has suffered since joining Swansea in 2021.
"It's really tough for him," said Swansea head coach Luke Williams.
"I know him from watching him at Bristol City as well and when I was here first time around. But again, [he has had] so many injuries.
"When we do see him, he is outstanding - what a player. I am hoping we get to see him before the end of the season and then we can see how it is."
Walsh arrived at Swansea on a free transfer having left Bristol City after enduring fitness troubles at Ashton Gate.
He has shown flashes of his quality in a Swans shirt but has so far managed just 27 appearances - including 10 league starts - for the Welsh club.
Walsh came off in the opening stages of the win over West Bromwich Albion on 1 January, having scored his first Swansea goal against Coventry three days earlier.
"He just doesn't seem to be able to make the progress he wants to make," Williams added.
"He is doing every single thing that he can. I look round during the game and he is in the row behind the dugout and he is standing up - he tried to head one in at one point.
"He is such a good guy and wants to be on the pitch for the team. He has just been unfortunate with his rehabilitation, with small setbacks a couple of times."
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Williams believes it "will be tough" for Walsh to feature again during this campaign.
When asked whether Swansea would consider offering the former Everton youngster a new deal, Williams said: "I don't think anyone can rule anything out at the moment.
"But we have to concentrate on the rehabilitation and then see where we are towards the end of the season."
There is some better news for Swansea from the treatment room, with Azeem Abdulai back in full training after a hamstring issue.
The 21-year-old, who can play in midfield or on the right side of defence, may come into the reckoning for Saturday's trip to Sunderland.
Josh Key and Harrison Ashby (both hamstring) are also making progress having been on the grass at Swansea's training ground this week, while Jamal Lowe (knee) could return against Blackburn Rovers on Saturday, 2 March.