**Sunderland star Granit Xhaka has played down fitness fears over his Achille, after coming off after 45 minutes in Switzerland’s defeat to Germany.**
[Blick report comments](https://www.blick.ch/sport/fussball/nati/captain-nur-teilzeitarbeiter-xhaka-verraet-was-die-nati-von-deutschland-lernen-kann-id21823501.html) from the 33-year-old today. He’s played down any concerns about his long-term fitness.
Injury concerns
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The newspaper explains that Xhaka only managing 45 minutes for his country has become a regular occurrence of late. The latest incidence was in the 4-3 defeat against Germany this week.
That’s led to questions being asked. Do the Switzerland fans need to worry about Xhaka, particularly after his recent return from an Achilles tendon injury. That problem saw him miss around a month earlier this year.
After the game, however, the Sunderland midfielder immediately gave the all-clear. “That was already agreed before the game,” said the Basel man.
Murat Yakin concerns
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Xhaka’s effort to play down any fears comes after Switzerland manager [Murat Yakin admitted he had to manage](https://sportwitness.co.uk/he-knows-his-body-manager-to-respect-sunderland-players-fitness-tightrope/) the Sunderland star during this international break.
While Xhaka has been a regular for Sunderland since his injury earlier this year, making six appearances in total and playing 90 minutes in the 2-1 win over Newcastle before the break, there are concerns about overloading him.
Yakin was aware of the issue and admitted he’d been in touch with the veteran about the situation.
“I’m in close contact with Granit. I’m not worried; he knows his body,” he said. “We’ll discuss how long he’ll play.”
Now, it seems, that discussion led to just a 45-minute appearance against Germany before he was pulled out. According to Xhaka, though, there’s nothing to worry about.
Sunderland concerns
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Sunderland will certainly be concerned given how important Xhaka has been to their success this season.
The 33-year-old has established himself as a key player under Régis Le Bris, who immediately gave him the captain’s armband on his arrival. That’s a decision which has very much paid off.
They’ll be hoping Switzerland continue to be careful when they take on Norway on Tuesday and Xhaka comes back fit and firing for the end of the Premier League season.