A Leeds United star selected for the World Cup is missing from a pre-tournament friendly.
An injury update has been provided on a Leeds United star selected for his country’s World Cup squad but missing from a pre-tournament friendly.
Winger Noah Okafor’s impressive form for Leeds led to a Switzerland recall for March’s international friendlies although the 26-year-old was an unused substitute for the 4-3 defeat to Germany and failed to make the matchday squad for the goalless draw in Norway.
Okafor was then enjoying a fantastic end to the season but the winger then suffered a calf injury which led to him missing United’s last three games of the Premier League campaign.
The Whites star was still named in boss Murat Yakin’s squad for this summer’s World Cup, ahead of which Switzerland face friendlies against Jordan and Austria over the next week.
Switzerland face Jordan in a 1.30pm kick-off today and Okafor is missing following an injury update from the camp on Saturday evening.
The Leeds star is reportedly still struggling with his calf injury although boss Yakin is not worried about his long-term availability.
An update on Saturday from the national team read: “In the international match against Jordan, men's national coach Murat Yakin wants to see all available players on the pitch. Three players will be unavailable for the game in St. Gallen's kybunpark.
“Among the players who will not see action is starting goalkeeper Gregor Kobel. This was confirmed by Yakin at the press conference the day before the match in St Gallen. Kobel joined the team late this week because he was recovering from the flu.
“He will be rested again against Jordan, which is why Yvon Mvogo will start. Yakin also confirmed that the plan is to bring on third-choice goalkeeper Marvin Keller at halftime. This would mark Keller's debut for the national team.
“Also unavailable are Noah Okafor, who is still struggling with a calf injury, and Fabian Rieder, who injured his ankle in training on Wednesday.
“However, Yakin is not worried about the long-term availability of either player.”
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