Last updated on .From the section Swansea

Leroy Fer (right) played for Norwich City and Queens Park Rangers before joining Swansea City

New Swansea City captain Leroy Fer hopes to make an early return from injury in the "next few weeks".

The Netherlands midfielder, 28, ruptured his Achilles in February, ruling him out of the remainder of the 2017-18 season as the Swans were relegated from the Premier League.

Fer, who has been appointed captain for this campaign, had originally expected to be out until October or November.

"I'm feeling close [to a return]," he said.

"It's up to the manager [Graham Potter] when he wants me and the physios when I can start making minutes.

"At the start [of the injury] we said October or November. Hopefully in the next few weeks I can get some minutes, maybe with the the Under-23s, maybe with the first team.

"That's something I have to discuss with the manager but I'm getting fitter and fitter and that's something I'm very happy with."

Fer took part in his first full training session on Tuesday, in front of fans at the Liberty Stadium.

He missed last Saturday's opening Championship win at Sheffield United but has been chosen to skipper the side by new manager Potter.

"I'm very proud, honoured to be captain of this club," said Fer.

"In this young squad, I'm one of the experienced players.

"I'm one of the loudest. That's what I know about myself and the boys know that as well.

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"With the new role, it's putting that line which you know when not to cross. Of course I'm a funny character but when business has to be done, business has to be done."

In Fer's absence on the opening weekend, fellow Dutchman and vice-captain Mike van der Hoorn wore the captain's armband against Sheffield United.

Asked if the two worked as a 'good cop, bad cop' partnership, Fer joked: "I think so, yeah! Mike is the hard one.

"That's something we have to mix as well. Sometimes we have to be focused and concentrate on the job.

"He's a good friend as well, so it's good to have him as a vice-captain and we can help each other."