Swansea 'keeper Vorm undergoes knee surgery; expected to miss five weeks

LONDON, Dec 19, 2013 - Premier League club Swansea will be without first-choice goalkeeper Michel Vorm for up to five weeks after the Dutch custodian broke down with further knee problems during last Sunday's draw against Norwich.

The Welsh club's coach Michael Laudrup revealed earlier this month that Vorm needed surgery on the long-standing injury which will now be carried out on Thursday for the 30-year-old 'keeper.

The team currently lie 10th in the English top flight 15 points behind leaders Arsenal, but will head into their weekend tie against Everton without the stricken Vorm.

"Michel Vorm is set to go under the surgeon's knife today (Thursday) to rectify a long-standing knee problem," read a statement on the club website.

"The Swans had hoped the Dutch keeper would battle through until January, but after suffering more problems against Norwich City last Sunday, it was decided that the injury could not be managed any longer.

"Surgeons will explore the knee before carrying out work on clearing any loose ligaments and fragments of bone, and a diagnosis on the length of time he will be sidelined depends on the scale of the operation."

Some good news for the Europa League hopefuls, who drew Napoli in next February's knockout phase, is that midfielder Leon Britton and defender Chico Flores should be available for selection against the 'Toffees' for Sunday's home match.

Assistant manager Morten Wieghorst, meanwhile, has played down suggestions Laudrup could succeed Andre Villas-Boas at Tottenham.

The Dane has been mentioned as being among the candidates to take over at White Hart Lane, but former Celtic midfielder Wieghorst told BBC Sport: "I don't think the club should be worried.

"We've seen in his time here he's been linked with a few vacant jobs and he's said: 'I'm staying'."

"Michael has always attracted interest and that's because he's doing a great job [and] because he's a great manager and because of what he's done in the game." added Wieghorst.