The Swiss national team will be without several key players in the crucial Nations League matches, including defensive boss Manuel Akanji. Coach Murat Yakin faces a difficult task.
11.11.2024, 12:05
11.11.2024, 12:07
SDA
The Swiss national team is facing considerable challenges ahead of the last two Nations League group games. Coach Murat Yakin is without four key players, including defensive leader Manuel Akanji. These absences complicate the mission to avoid direct relegation to League B.
Akanji, the Manchester City defender, had to pull out due to adductor problems. He was already only on the substitutes' bench on Saturday. The absence of the defensive leader hits the already weakened defense hard.
Bologna attacker Dan Ndoye is also out. He crashed into the goalpost during Sunday's match and had to be substituted. Pascal Loretz, the number 3 in the Swiss goal, was also taken out of the game prematurely at the weekend. Monaco midfielder Denis Zakaria has not played a game since October 22, making his participation questionable from the start.
Substitutes and preparation
Despite the four absentees, Yakin has only named two substitutes: Ulisses Garcia from Marseille and David von Ballmoos from YB. The team is therefore preparing for the upcoming matches with 24 players instead of the originally planned 26.
Decisive matches against Serbia and Spain
On Friday, Switzerland will face Serbia in Zurich. A win is necessary to keep their chances of finishing third in the group alive. The following Monday, Switzerland will play an away match against European champions Spain in Tenerife. These games are crucial for staying in League A of the Nations League.
