Updated: Alex Tettey likely to miss the rest of Norwich City’s season due to ankle surgery; Steven Naismith fit for Swansea City test

Neil has revealed the Norwegian international is set for surgery on an ankle injury sustained in Tuesday night's 2-1 loss to Chelsea at Carrow Road.

The 29-year-old was substituted in the 36th minute, being replaced by Gary O'Neil, and had subsequently told Norwegian newspaper VG Sporten that he feared his season was over.

Tettey has made 23 appearances for the Canaries so far this season, scoring twice, and had returned from a two-game suspension in Saturday's narrow 1-0 loss at league leaders Leicester City.

'Alex has hurt his ankle ligaments,' confirmed Neil, speaking at his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's crunch clash at relegation rivals Swansea City. 'He has done it in the past, to his other foot, and needed an operation in the past. He has re-injured his other leg now. Unfortunately he is going to need an operation now and probably miss the rest of the season. We have got top medical staff. He got an X-ray immediately after he came off the pitch and then he got scanned the following morning.

'It is quite conclusive, he needs an operation to fix it. It is not good, obviously, Al has played most of the games he was available for but we have strength in depth in that area and it will give someone else an opportunity to do a job for us.

The Scot confirmed that O'Neil, who suffered a nasty gash to his forehead during a collision with team-mate Robbie Brady, would be fit for the trip to South Wales. City's boss also confirmed Brady is available after some dentistry work to teeth damaged in the clash.

'Robbie's mouth was a bit of a mess after the challenge,' said Neil. 'He severely chipped two teeth and pretty much nearly lost another one. He has had a wee bit of dentistry work to try and fix that. Gary has a two-inch gash on his head, more cosmetic, that anything else.'

Steven Naismith comes back into the squad after missing the midweek Chelsea defeat but Andre Wisdom (knee) is still out and Seb Bassong remains a major injury doubt. Timm Klose has been passed fit after rolling his ankle in the closing stages against the Blues.

'Steven was fatigued after Leicester and he wasn't ready,' said Neil. 'It was one of those where he was touch and go during the week and if we risked him and he went down after the first 10 minutes I would have regretted it because Swansea is absolutely crucial. I felt we had enough on the pitch to get something from the game and we could have done. Andre has not fully recovered but he will join in training next week and be available for Manchester City.'

Who would you select to replace Tettey in central midfield against the Swans? Leave your comments below.