Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka says half-time Switzerland change was planned | OneFootball

Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka moved to allay fitness fears after being taken off at half-time in Switzerland’s 4-3 friendly defeat to Germany, saying the change was planned. According to Sunderland Echo, he said: "That was already agreed upon before the game."

The 33-year-old had recently missed five consecutive club matches with an ankle injury, but has since started Sunderland’s last two fixtures, including a 2-1 win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

Xhaka started against the four-time world champions and was withdrawn at the interval with the game level at 2-2, before Switzerland were beaten.

Head coach Murat Yakin had earlier said he was in close contact with Xhaka, was not worried, and that they would decide his minutes together.

Reflecting on the performance, Xhaka said it was for others to judge how his absence affected the team, calling it a valuable test against high-quality opposition and noting Germany’s composure under pressure.

Yakin later added: "We haven't faced a team like Germany as an opponent for almost two years. That's why we had little opportunity to play our own game. It wasn't the kind of game we're used to."

Source: Sunderland Echo