Francesco Guidolin will be back to lead Swansea City in their crunch relegation battle against Norwich having missed their shock safety-boosting win over Arsenal with a lung infection.

The Italian followed the game from his hospital bed having selected a much-changed side for the clash and then leaving coach Alan Curtis in charge.

Curtis revealed Guidolin, 60, had left messages of support and congratulation after the final whistle in North London where goals from Wayne Routledge and Ashley Williams completed a comeback victory over the Gunners who had opened through Joel Campbell.

Campbell scores a sublime opener
Campbell scores a sublime opener

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But he claimed that the former Udinese boss will return home to South Wales on Friday and is in contention to be back in the dug-out for the visit of the Canaries.

The Arsenal win sees Swansea go into the clash six points ahead of Norwich as well as Sunderland and Newcastle, the latter with a game in hand against Manchester City to play.

Williams celebrates with Jordi Amat
Williams celebrates with Jordi Amat

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Curtis said: “I've not spoken to him but he left a voicemail to say how delighted he is. As far as I know he has a lung infection and he will stay in hospital for the next couple of days, but it can remedy itself quite quickly and he will travel to Swansea on Friday so hopefully he will be with us.

“He picked the side – though I should have said I did it! He's been struggling for a week or so but he's been there in training. Hopefully he can be better soon.”