Aston Villa midfielder Johan Manzambi has withdrawn from Switzerland's squad with a calf injury, leaving his availability for the Premier League meeting with Sunderland on 21 November uncertain.
The 21-year-old reported for international duty on Monday despite experiencing discomfort, but further treatment and medical examinations failed to improve his condition sufficiently.
Switzerland confirmed his withdrawal on Thursday, ruling him out of their UEFA Nations League fixtures against Slovenia and Scotland.
Manzambi will return to Aston Villa for further assessment, although no recovery timetable has been announced.
Switzerland confirm Manzambi's calf injury
The Swiss Football Association explained that Manzambi arrived at the national-team camp already carrying the injury.
"The midfielder joined the national team camp on Monday with a calf injury," the federation said.
"Despite intensive medical treatment and further examinations, his condition has not improved sufficiently, making him unavailable for either game."
The decision to send Manzambi back to Birmingham was made in consultation with Aston Villa.
His withdrawal follows Sunday's dramatic 4-4 draw against Manchester United, during which he was substituted in the 78th minute.
Manzambi had been caught on the ankle by United defender Leny Yoro earlier in the match.
However, Swiss FA spokesperson Adrian Arnold clarified that the midfielder's calf problem was unrelated to that challenge.
The precise severity of the injury remains unknown.
Aston Villa await update before Sunderland fixture
Manzambi joined Villa from Freiburg in July in a club-record deal reportedly worth up to £59.5 million, including bonuses.
The Switzerland international has quickly become an important option for Unai Emery, contributing goals and assists during his opening months in England.
However, his workload has required careful management, and he has yet to complete a full 90 minutes for Villa.
The midfielder also experienced fitness problems earlier in the campaign, making his latest setback particularly frustrating.
His withdrawal creates uncertainty ahead of Villa's home fixture against Sunderland on 21 November.
With a demanding schedule of Premier League and Champions League matches approaching, Emery will want clarity on Manzambi's condition before deciding whether he can return to training.
For now, there is no confirmation that the midfielder will miss club matches.
Key Points
- Manzambi has withdrawn from Switzerland's squad because of a calf injury.
- The Swiss FA confirmed that treatment had not improved his condition sufficiently.
- His availability for Aston Villa's match against Sunderland remains uncertain.
What's Next?
Villa will assess Manzambi following his return from international duty, with Emery awaiting a medical update before the Premier League resumes.
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