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Switzerland sweat over fitness of three key players ahead of Colombia clash

From CNA · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Sources not specified Ongoing story
  • Switzerland's coach Murat Yakin is concerned about the fitness of three key players ahead of their World Cup last-16 match against Colombia.
  • Forwards Johan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas, along with midfielder Djibril Sow, left training early due to injuries.
  • The team awaits medical examination results, with Manzambi's potential absence being a significant blow due to his strong performance in the tournament.

Switzerland's World Cup campaign faces a nervous wait as coach Murat Yakin expressed concern over the fitness of three influential players before their last-16 clash against Colombia on Tuesday.

If they have to quit the training session earlier, everybody is very annoyed because this is going to be a very big loss. If they might not play tomorrow, it could be a huge issue for us.

— Murat YakinSwitzerland coach Murat Yakin speaking at a news conference about the fitness concerns of his players.

Johan Manzambi and Ruben Vargas, both forwards, along with midfielder Djibril Sow, were forced to leave training early on Monday. The team's medical staff will conduct further examinations to determine their availability for the crucial match in Vancouver.

"If they have to quit the training session earlier, everybody is very annoyed because this is going to be a very big loss. If they might not play tomorrow, it could be a huge issue for us," Yakin stated at a news conference. He added that the team must be prepared to adjust until the last minute.

We will see what happens this afternoon, because they will go through some medical examinations, but this is football. You always have to adjust until the very last minute and we will see what is going to happen this afternoon.

— Murat YakinCoach Yakin on the uncertainty surrounding his players' fitness ahead of the match.

The potential absence of Manzambi, who has scored three goals and provided two assists in the tournament, would be a significant blow. Yakin described him as a "very precious and important player" and an "all-rounder" with immense potential, expressing hope for his swift recovery.

He is a very precious and important player for us, he has been constantly improving his performance. He is a team player. He's not only a player that you like to watch ... he is an all-rounder. He has many qualities and there is still so much potential in him.

— Murat YakinCoach Yakin describing the importance of forward Johan Manzambi.

Despite the injury concerns, Yakin remains enthusiastic about the upcoming match, as Switzerland aims to reach the quarterfinals for the first time since hosting the tournament in 1954. He anticipates an "immense match" and believes his team can put significant pressure on Colombia if they play their style of football.

We are very happy with him and we hope that he can be on the pitch tomorrow. We will do everything that it takes to get him back in shape.

— Murat YakinCoach Yakin on the team's efforts to get Johan Manzambi fit for the match.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by CNA. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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