Murat Yakin not worried over Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka fitness | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka is expected to feature for Switzerland this week, with head coach Murat Yakin relaxed about the Sunderland captain’s fitness after a recent ankle issue.

According to Blick, Yakin said he is in close contact with Xhaka, is not worried about his fitness, and that they will discuss how long he plays.

The midfielder recently missed five consecutive matches with an ankle injury, then returned to start Sunderland’s last two fixtures, including Sunday’s 2-1 win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

Switzerland face Germany in a friendly on Friday evening, then travel to Norway for another on Tuesday.

If he features in both games, Xhaka would reach 145 senior caps. He debuted in 2011 and has captained Switzerland for the past eight years, scoring 16 goals. Sunderland head coach Regis Le Bris has said Xhaka brings top quality, fits the club and region, and sets daily standards for a young squad.

Source: Sunderland Echo