Swansea 'send love' to grieving Stamenic
New Zealand midfielder Marko Stamenic joined Swansea from Nottingham Forest in August
- Published
Alan Sheehan says Swansea City will give Marko Stamenic all the time he needs with the midfielder on compassionate leave following a family bereavement.
New Zealand international Stamenic has been a regular in Sheehan's side since joining from Nottingham Forest in August.
But Stamenic was not involved in Wednesday's Carabao Cup loss to Manchester City after leaving Swansea to be with his family, and Sheehan does not know when the 23-year-old will return to training.
"On behalf of the whole football club, we just send our love and support to him and his family at this moment," Swansea's head coach said.
"It puts some things into perspective when you lose a family member, so obviously we're all here to support Marco."
Stamenic has so far made 10 appearances for Swansea, while he has also played twice for New Zealand this season.
Having been beaten 3-1 by Manchester City, Swansea make a rapid return to action when they go to Charlton Athletic in the Championship on Saturday (15:00 GMT).
They then face a trip to Preston North End on Wednesday, 5 November before a home game against Ipswich Town three days later, which precedes the final international break of 2025.
When asked when Stamenic may be back in action, Sheehan said: "I said that he can have as long as he wants.
"We say, and I say when I'm signing these players, that we'll protect you as a person and it is family first.
"So that is the most important thing, that he comes back when he's ready to come back."