Granit Xhaka says Switzerland half-time substitution was planned after recent ankle lay-off | OneFootball

According to Sunderland Echo, Granit Xhaka has moved to allay concern after being substituted for Switzerland on Friday, saying the change was pre-planned during the 4-3 defeat to Germany.

The Sunderland captain recently missed five matches with an ankle injury but has since returned to the side. He started the Black Cats’ last two outings, including the 2-1 win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park.

Xhaka was named in Switzerland’s XI against the four-time world champions and was withdrawn at half-time. He stressed there was no setback, saying, "That was already agreed upon before the game".

Earlier in the week, head coach Murat Yakin said he was in close contact with the 33-year-old, was not concerned, and that they would decide on his minutes together.

Some observers felt Switzerland looked less organised without their captain, a view hardly dispelled by the late defeat after a 2-2 interval. Xhaka declined to judge his impact, calling it a valuable test and highlighting Germany’s composure under pressure.

He also noted that Switzerland’s recent slackness in possession was punished at this level. Yakin echoed that assessment, saying Germany’s quality limited his side’s ability to impose their usual game.

Source: Sunderland Echo