Noah Okafor Leeds United
Switzerland manager Murat Yakin remains hopeful Leeds United’s Noah Okafor gets over his latest injury with the Premier League side.
The winger was with the national team for the March international break and returned to the squad for the first time in 16 months.
In fact, the Leeds United player made five appearances for his country since the start of 2024.
It’s important to know the timeline of events to understand reasons behind his omission.
Okafor’s questionable behaviour during Euro 2024 and his attitude towards his teammates and the manager didn’t go down well. He even had a misunderstanding with Yakin, who decided not to call him up in 2025.
The drama peaked in November as Okafor publicly lashed out at Yakin, for leaving him out again that month.
Earlier this year, Yakin and Switzerland director Pierluigi Tami made a trip to England to hold fresh talks with the Whites man. This opened the door for the national team return.
However, Okafor picked up an injury in February and spent close to a month on the sidelines. The national team coach initially left him out of the squad before recalling him later.
Leeds United player’s injury concern
However, Noah Okafor didn’t feature for his country in against Germany or Norway.
Murat Yakin initially planned to offer him 20 minutes against Germany before being forced to change plans due to his injury. The Leeds United player got so close to a Switzerland return, but was injured in the warm up.
On Tuesday, Sport Witness relayed news his involvement against Norway was questioned. Later that day, the manager left him out of the squad as he didn’t want to take risks.
Yakin has been speaking about the Leeds United man and BlueWin.ch have relayed his comments.
He is certainly happy with Okafor’s overall progress while there’s concern over his fitness for the World Cup.
“In training and also after our visit to Leeds, I saw that he has made positive progress. In his personality as well,” he said.
“I hope he’s fit and in rhythm by the World Cup. We don’t have many options of his quality in attack.”
The repeated twists of bad luck for Okafor with Switzerland must be causing a frustration for the Leeds United player.
Worry for Farke and Whites
Leeds United face West Ham United in their FA Cup quarter final on Sunday. Noah Okafor’s cruel injury blow will certainly worry Daniel Farke and his side.
Taking the latest developments into account, the former AC Milan man’s involvement with the Whites this weekend is questionable.
The Swiss has four goals and an assist from 28 matches for the Premier League side this season.
🇫🇷 Ilan Kebbal | Leeds United, Southampton and Watford in mix for stat-friendly winger
⚽️ 13 goal contributions in 25 matches
➡️ Currently at Paris FC on a contract until 2028https://t.co/Ux97Img7Km #lufc #mot #safc #watford
— Sport Witness (@Sport_Witness) April 1, 2026