Leeds United’s Noah Okafor has been handed a recall to the Switzerland squad - but Ilia Gruev has withdrawn from the Bulgaria ranks.
Okafor has been capped by his country on 24 occasions but has not featured since a 3-2 defeat to Spain in November 2024.
The versatile attacker has now made a return to the Switzerland squad as a replacement for the injured Filip Ugrinić.
Noah Okafor has made 27 appearances for Leeds United since his summer switch from AC Milan.placeholder image
Noah Okafor has made 27 appearances for Leeds United since his summer switch from AC Milan. | Oli SCARFF / AFP via Getty Images
Noah Okafor continues theme
He is now in contention to feature in friendlies against Germany and Norway, which are scheduled for March 27 and March 31.
His call-up continues a theme of comebacks for Leeds players, with Anton Stach and Dominic Calvert-Lewin having forced their way back into the squads of Germany and England respectively.
Okafor could find himself up against Stach on Friday (March 27) if the pair get time on the pitch when their countries meet.
Ilia Gruev withdrawal
However, there will not be any international action for Gruev. The 25-year-old has been named Bulgaria’s Player of the Year for 2025, but has withdrawn from their recently-named squad due to “personal reasons”.
As reported by Bulgarian outlet fakti.bg, the midfielder said: "These are my personal reasons and I hope you will respect my opinion that I will not comment on this topic any further."
Leeds United's Ilia Gruev will not be linking up with his Bulgaria teammates.placeholder image
Leeds United's Ilia Gruev will not be linking up with his Bulgaria teammates. | Brian Lawless/PA Wire
Bulgaria are due to travel to Indonesia to compete in the second edition of the FIFA Series tournament. They will face the Solomon Islands and potentially set up a meeting with Indonesia or Saint Kitts and Nevis in the final.
Gruev has made 21 appearances in the Premier League this season but was an unused substitute at the weekend as the Whites drew 0-0 with Brentford.