Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka is reportedly unlikely to feature for Switzerland during the November international break after suffering a calf injury in Sunday's 1-0 Premier League victory over Chelsea.
The 34-year-old midfielder experienced discomfort during the pre-match warm-up at the Stadium of Light but attempted to play before being substituted after just four minutes.
Swiss outlets 4-4-2.ch and Blick now report that Xhaka's chances of joining Murat Yakin's squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League fixtures against Slovenia and Scotland are extremely slim.
Granit Xhaka faces MRI scan after Sunderland injury
Xhaka's injury occurred at an unfortunate moment for Sunderland, who were preparing for a crucial Premier League encounter against Xabi Alonso's Chelsea.
Despite feeling discomfort during the final sprint of the warm-up, the midfielder remained in the starting line-up.
However, he was unable to continue beyond the opening minutes and was replaced by Jules Ahoka.
Sunderland manager Régis Le Bris confirmed afterwards that the problem appeared to involve Xhaka's calf, although he could not provide a recovery timeline.
According to Blick, Xhaka is scheduled to undergo an MRI scan on Monday to establish the extent of the damage.
The results should provide greater clarity over how long the experienced midfielder could be unavailable.
Switzerland return in doubt after previous international absence
Switzerland manager Murat Yakin had selected Xhaka for this month's Nations League fixtures against Slovenia and Scotland.
However, 4-4-2.ch reports that his participation is now highly unlikely, with an official announcement from the Swiss Football Association potentially following.
The injury threatens to delay Xhaka's return to international football after he withdrew from Switzerland's previous squad.
That absence followed controversy surrounding forged COVID-19 certificates, which Xhaka admitted producing in September before issuing a public apology.
Although the midfielder had been included in Yakin's latest squad, the calf problem now presents a separate obstacle to his return.
Sunderland await update before Aston Villa clash
Xhaka's setback comes despite an encouraging weekend for Sunderland.
Le Bris' side defeated Chelsea 1-0 through Enzo Le Fée's penalty, securing their second Premier League victory of the season and climbing off the bottom of the table.
The Sunderland manager praised his players' resilience after they overcame their captain's early withdrawal.
However, losing Xhaka for an extended period would be a significant concern as the Black Cats attempt to build momentum in their relegation battle.
Key Points
- Granit Xhaka suffered a calf injury during Sunderland's 1-0 victory over Chelsea.
- The midfielder felt discomfort during the warm-up before being substituted after four minutes.
- Swiss reports suggest he is highly unlikely to face Slovenia or Scotland.
- Xhaka is scheduled to undergo an MRI scan to determine the injury's severity.
- His absence from Switzerland's November fixtures has not yet been officially confirmed.
- Sunderland face Aston Villa on 21 November.
What's Next?
Xhaka's MRI results will determine the next steps in his recovery and whether he must withdraw from Switzerland's squad.
Sunderland will hope the injury is not serious, with Le Bris preparing his team for a Premier League trip to Aston Villa on 21 November.
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