Boss Garry Monk claims Monday’s clash with Stoke represents the start of a crucial run of matches for his Swansea side.
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A 2-0 win in May ultimately helped Garry Monk’s side to finish eighth in the Premier League last term – one place and two points above Stoke.
Ayew, however, returned to training on Thursday, going through the full routine with Swansea City’s first team.
Hughes said: “The initial idea was to give him 60, 65 or 70 minutes but he felt good so we kept him on”. The Swans are now an established Premier League side and have only lost twice so far so a place in the top eight is a realistic aim.
However, Hughes is in buoyant mood in terms of his team’s current form, having seen them pull off their first two league wins of the 2015-16 season in their last two games.
“We are looking to improve on that – looking back, that probably stopped us being in a position above them come the end of the season”.
Stoke are unbeaten in the previous five Premier League away matches they have played on a Monday, although the last three have finished 1-1.
“They have changed a lot in the way they play”.
The story is slightly different for Stoke, who remain without Ryan Shawcross (back) and Shay Given (knee), although the pair prove manager Mark Hughes’ only absentee concerns. Stoke are without star striker Mame Biram Diouf, who is on compassionate leave, while skipper Ryan Shawcross is not yet ready for a return after a long-term back problem.
Marc Wilson has also been declared available for the squad and Xherdan Shaqiri has shaken off a thigh complaint to be in contention of a starting spot.
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The worldwide break came at the wrong time for the Potters after they had gained a few momentum, but Mark Hughes will be hoping his side continue their resurgence against Swansea on Monday evening.
