Swansea boss Carlos Carvalhal has confirmed midfielder Renato Sanches is making solid progress with his hamstring injury and will return earlier than planned.

The Portugal international suffered the injury in the FA Cup against Notts County last month and original scans suggested he could be out for a few months.

However, the 20-year-old is making giant strides and could well return in time to help the club avoid relegation.

Sanches has struggled with injuries this season and form since joining on a season-long loan deal from Bayern Munich.

He has made just 12 league appearances but Carvalhal is hoping to get the best out of him in the final few months of the campaign.

Carvalhal told the club’s official website: “He is progressing. In the beginning, they said it could be long-term, but I believe he will come back next month.

“That’s my feeling. I think he will be back sooner than we expect.”

Club captain Angel Rangel will also be back before the end of the campaign after undergoing surgery on his abductor issue.

Carvalhal added: “Angel is looking well. He has had a successful operation and he will be back before the end of the season.”

Midfielder Leon Britton is a doubt for Saturday’s FA Cup clash with Sheffield Wednesday, while Andre Ayew and Andy King are ineligible.

Wednesday are 3.30 to win, with the draw also 3.30, while the Swans are 2.25 favourites to progress to the next round.