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Swansea record signing Borja Baston not available for Hull clash, says Francesco Guidolin

Eibar's forward Tomas Borja Baston
Image: Borja Baston signed for Swansea from Atletico Madrid for £15.5m

Francesco Guidolin says Borja Baston will not make his Swansea debut against Hull City on Saturday due to a thigh injury.

The Swansea manager has billed their match against newly-promoted Hull as a "massive game", but will have to do without the club's record £15.5m signing, while Gylfi Sigurdsson may be forced to play despite not being 100 per cent fit. 

Baston, who has said he wants to keep hold of his nickname 'Van Baston' at the Liberty Stadium, is suffering with a minor injury and will have to wait to make his Premier League bow. 

"He is not available," said Guidolin. "He has a little problem with the (thigh) muscle in his right leg. He is not available at the moment.

"I would like to have him ready in this period, but if it's not possible, it's not possible. It's a shame, but this is our job." 

Guidolin's side began the 2016/17 campaign with a 1-0 win away at Burnley last weekend, when key player Sigurdsson, who was given an extended break due to his involvement at Euro 2016 with Iceland, appeared as a second-half substitute. 

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Sigurdsson and Welshman Neil Taylor both featured at the European Championships and are still not fully fit, according to Guidolin, but they may need to be forced into action earlier than hoped.

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"I have to manage my group well," he said. "If I can choose, I prefer to play with players who have been with us since the start of July. 

"But, for example, we need a No 10 - we need Gylfi. 

"I can choose between Neil Taylor and Stephen Kingsley. I have spoken with Neil and he will be involved in the [EFL Cup] game at Peterborough. But Gylfi and Ki [Sung-Yeung] will be involved against Hull." 

Guidolin also said he felt "sorry" for Andre Ayew after the forward was ruled out for around four months through injury following his club-record move to West Ham from Swansea, adding that the 26-year-old had previously revealed he was looking for a new challenge.

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"It's the same as it was with Ashley Williams," Guidolin added. "Andre sometimes said to me he was happy to stay here with us, but if he could have a new experience to improve his status, this would be important for him.

"He decided to go to West Ham. It's normal for players to want a new challenge. He is a good player and a good guy, and I wish him all the best." 

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Swansea are not looking for an immediate replacement for Ayew, and are instead focused on filling the void left by Williams after the former Swans captain joined Everton. 

"I am optimistic," said Guidolin. "I have spoken frequently with the chairman. We have not rushed. We have a shortlist of players and we have to decide. We are working on this."  

Guidolin also confirmed midfielder Jack Cork will stand in as captain if Leon Britton is unable to play against Hull. 

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