• Capital One Cup

Chico officially out of Capital One Cup final

Chico Flores has been a towering presence for Swansea this season © Getty Images

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Swansea defender Chico Flores has had to admit defeat in his battle to return to fitness in time for Sunday's Capital One Cup final against Bradford.

Flores has failed to recover from the ruptured ankle ligaments he suffered against QPR, so Kyle Bartley or club captain Garry Monk will slot in alongside Ashley Williams.

The Spanish defender has been a key part of Swansea's success this season, so the news will come as a blow to manager Michael Laudrup but Monk insists that the side are focused on bringing home a first major trophy in the club's centenary season.

"A few of us have been here a long time, and we've been from the depths of despair to the very highest level," he explained. "In all my time here there's been a progression every season. If we can win the cup final and finish in the top half - for a club of our size - it would be hard to top that.

"This is the first major final in the club's history, so to win it in the 100th year of the club would be magical. The bottom line is we should win it for the club more than anything else. The fans have been through a lot. So to walk in every day and see that trophy in the cabinet would be great for everyone."

Over 33,000 fans are expected to travel to Wembley to cheer on the Swans in their bid for silverware and Monk is keen to do it for them.

"Most of the boys live in the city, so if you're around the shops or wherever then the fans come up to us and ask us about the game ahead. We know exactly what it means to them," he said. "We can see it in their faces.

"Even the lads who have been here only a few months, they know what this club means to people. So we want to do it for the fans, because they deserve all the success this club gets."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.