By Gareth Vincent
South Wales Evening Post

Swansea City boss Roberto Martinez has revealed that Gorka Pintado is still a month away from hitting top form thanks to his fitness troubles.

But Martinez is optimistic Swansea's new striking sensation will be available for the trip to Crystal Palace in 10 days' time.

Pintado has been short of full fitness since picking up a groin strain during pre-season.

The former Granada man has also complained of pain in his back and hamstring and aggravated the injury after coming off the bench in the draw with Sheffield Wednesday last Saturday.

And Martinez (pictured) reckons Pintado's problems mean he is still weeks away from firing on all cylinders.

"Gorka has been carrying an injury and he felt his hamstring during the Wednesday game," said the Swansea manager.

"His back has been giving him a bit of trouble — the problems are all linked — but we're hoping to use the international break to get him closer to his full potential.

"He should be available for the Crystal Palace game, but it will probably take him another month to get up to full fitness."

Pintado has given Swansea fans glimpses of his immense potential with spectacular substitute appearances against Nottingham Forest and Hull City.

But the 30-year-old is yet to start a game for the club thanks to his fitness issues.

"It hasn't been an easy start to life at Swansea City for Gorka," Martinez added, "but hopefully he has got all his niggles out of the way and he will soon be at his peak.

"Gorka is an explosive player and a physical player.

"He is someone who can do what the fans have seen him do as a substitute for 90 minutes on a regular basis.

"He can show that power, strength and skill throughout games and we are excited about that."

Swansea have been thrilled by the lack of injury problems at the Liberty so far this term, which they put down to expert planning and training methods.

Fede Bessone's broken rib was an unpreventable impact injury, so Pintado's problems are the only real blot on the copybook.

"I hate muscle injuries," Martinez conceded, "but when a player moves countries, he needs to adapt to different training regimes.

"The demands of the game are completely different and every player needs a bit of time to settle."

Pintado's problems have heightened Swansea's concerns over Jason Scotland, who is away on international duty with Trinidad & Tobago and may return just 24 hours before the Palace trip.