Swansea City skipper Garry Monk and striker Guillem Bauza have given new boss Paulo Sousa a boost by returning to training ahead of schedule.

Both players underwent operations during the summer; Monk for a long-standing back problem and Bauza for a nagging ankle injury.

Monk joined in with the rest of the squad today (Thursday), while Bussy will take part for the first time tomorrow.

Defender Angel Rangel will hopefully join them soon after delaying his pre-season training programme with a slight groin problem, while Marcos Painter is progressing really well from his cruciate ligament operation in the summer.

The left-back is expected to join in training for the first time when the squad return from their seven-day pre-season training camp in Portugal.

Paulo confirmed the trip to his Portuguese homeland today after the pre-arranged fitness week in Sweden was cancelled.

"It's a great chance for me and Bruno (assistant-manager) to work closely with the players - on and off the field,'' explained Paulo.

"We will be having double training sessions most days, but the players were pleased to learn that we will continue to do everything with the ball.''

The squad will be departing for their beach-front hotel near Porto on Sunday.

No friendly games have been arranged.