Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka issues fitness update after planned Switzerland half-time change | OneFootball

Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has clarified his fitness after being taken off at half-time in Switzerland’s 4-3 friendly defeat to Germany on Friday.

According to Sunderland Echo, the midfielder said the substitution had been arranged before kick-off and did not indicate a new setback.

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

Xhaka was named in Switzerland’s starting XI for the meeting with the four-time world champions, then departed at the interval as planned.

Switzerland were level at 2-2 at the break before Germany edged the contest 4-3.

Source: Sunderland Echo