Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka gives fitness update after planned Switzerland half-time withdrawal | OneFootball

Granit Xhaka says his half-time withdrawal for Switzerland against Germany was pre-arranged after the 4-3 friendly defeat.

According to Sunderland Echo, the midfielder recently missed five consecutive club matches with an ankle injury but has started the Black Cats’ last two, including Sunday’s 2-1 win at St James’ Park.

Xhaka started against the four-time world champions and was replaced at the interval. He said: "That was already agreed upon before the game."

Earlier in the week, head coach Murat Yakin said he was in close contact with Xhaka, was not concerned, and would decide together how long he would play.

Asked about Switzerland without him, Xhaka said that was for others to judge. He called it a test against high-calibre opposition and noted lessons in both their play and Germany’s composure under pressure.

Yakin added that Switzerland had not faced a team of Germany’s level for almost two years, which limited their chances to impose their usual game.

Source: Sunderland Echo