Kevin Stewart set for Swindon return
Kevin Stewart is set to return to the Swindon squad for the Sky Bet League One clash with Rochdale at the County Ground.
The 22-year-old Liverpool loanee has been sidelined for 14 weeks by a medial knee ligament injury but has returned to full training with the Reds and if he suffers no further setbacks could be in line to be back for the Robins.
Stewart's return will cause a selection headache for manager Martin Ling as it will increase Swindon's number of loanees to seven and only five can be included in the matchday squad. So two of Louis Thompson, Ben Gladwin, Wes Thomas, Jordan Turnbull, Adam El-Abd, Lawrence Vigouroux and Stewart will have to sit out.
Captain Raphael Rossi-Branco is available after serving a one-match ban for five yellow cards in the 4-0 win at Chesterfield.
Rochdale will be without forward Nathaniel Mendez-Laing after he missed last weekend's 1-0 FA Cup exit to derby rivals Bury.
The former England Under-17s striker netted a hat-trick when Dale sent Swindon out in the previous round of the FA Cup last month but his groin injury will not be risked ahead of a busy festive period.
Midfielder Jamie Allen continues to be sidelined by a dead leg - he has not played since October 31 - and is not expected to return before the new year.
Defender Joe Rafferty is due to see a specialist over a stomach injury while Matty Lund (thigh) is also out.
Source: PAR
