Swindon hit by Amankwaah injury

Amankwaah played just four times for Swansea last season

Swindon's preparations for the new season have been hit by an injury to full-back Kevin Amankwaah.

A hamstring problem forced the former Swansea defender, 26, from the field less than half an hour into Town's friendly win at Chippenham on Saturday.

Manager Maurice Malpas told BBC Radio Swindon that he was disappointed to see Amankwaah join Hasney Aljofree and Simon Cox on the sidelines.

"He's just come to the club and is desperate to do well," said Malpas.

He continued: "We're hoping it's just spasms as opposed to a pull, but either way it's disappointing for the lad.

"We're approaching the time of the season where we're starting to pick the team.

606: DEBATE Do Swindon have adequate cover for Amankwaah?

"I'd imagine he's going to miss a week, possibly a fortnight if it's just a spasm.

"If it's a pull, it's three or four weeks. It's a body blow to the lad," Malpas said.

Swindon have a number of injury troubles ahead of the League One campaign.

Captain Hasney Aljofree's ankle problem is expected to keep him from training for a least another week.

Surprise return

Star striker Simon Cox also missed Saturday's 4-1 victory at Chippenham after having an operation on a broken bone in his hand, although he is expected to be fit to face Tranmere on 9 August.

There is better news regarding forward Lee Peacock, who returned to the starting line-up at Hardenhuish Park after an Achilles injury.

Malpas said his fellow Scot's return was a surprise.

"Lee only came back to training on Thursday morning and our plan was to give him a decent week.

"I thought the youth team was training today and he was going there, but they went to play a game against Cardiff.

"It's ball work that he needs, so we thought we'd bring him here and play him for half an hour.

"He felt comfortable after it, so he'll play a bit longer on Tuesday against Cardiff."