Noah Okafor explains cautious Switzerland return after injury ahead of West Ham FA Cup quarter-final | OneFootball

Noah Okafor has explained his low-risk approach with Switzerland following a recent hamstring issue, as Leeds United look towards Sunday’s FA Cup quarter-final at West Ham.

Recalled to replace Filip Ugrinić and end a 17-month absence from international football, he did not feature in friendlies against Germany or Norway. He was later omitted from the Norway squad as a precaution, with the decision taken in consultation with staff while he and Granit Xhaka continue to manage returns from injury.

The winger had only just come back from a month-long lay-off, playing the final 22 minutes of Leeds’ 0-0 draw at Brentford, so caution prevailed to avoid overloading.

Okafor said on Instagram that he enjoyed being back with the national team and supported the group in training, but, so soon after injury, he and staff agreed not to take any risks. He added that he hopes to be involved again with Switzerland soon.

Leeds will welcome that stance, with his one-v-one threat missed in recent weeks, and he could be involved against West Ham on Sunday.

Other players were also carefully managed during the break. Dominic Calvert-Lewin got 32 minutes for England against Uruguay before returning home, Daniel James and Ethan Ampadu were initially rested for Wales before second-half run-outs, while Brenden Aaronson played 11 minutes for the USA against Portugal and Ao Tanaka came off the bench for Japan against England.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk