Swansea midfielder Allen facing spell on sidelines

Joe Allen has made 15 Swansea appearances this season

Wales midfielder Joe Allen faces a battle to play a part in Swansea City's hectic fixture schedule because of a leg injury.

Allen missed Swansea's victory at Plymouth Argyle on Tuesday after suffering what is thought to be a muscle problem during last weekend's draw at Luton Town.

Head coach Luke Williams says Swansea must not rush 34-year-old Allen back into action.

"Unfortunately he felt something at the end of the last game and it turned out to be a small problem that is going to keep him sidelined for a short period of time," Williams said.

"I think there's a chance that we see him over Christmas but we have to be very careful with Joe. He is royalty around these parts."

Swansea, who are up to ninth in the Championship thanks to their 2-1 victory over Plymouth, are back in action against Sunderland this Saturday.

They go to Hull City in their final pre-Christmas game, on 21 December, before festive home fixtures against Queens Park Rangers and Luton Town.

Williams' side then travel to Portsmouth on New Year's Day, before West Bromwich Albion come to the Swansea.com Stadium on 4 January.

Allen has been a regular in Williams' matchday squads this season, making 15 club appearances so far, while he has come out of international retirement to be part of Craig Bellamy's Wales squad.

"Joe will do everything, he is an incredible pro, and the medical team will help him," Williams added.

"Hopefully we'll be able to see him at the back end of the Christmas period."