Granit Xhaka's fitness update has emerged during the international break, with Switzerland manager Murat Yakin confirming he will carefully manage the midfielder’s minutes.
The 33-year-old has recently returned from an ankle injury that kept him out for over a month earlier in 2026. Since regaining fitness, Xhaka has quickly re-established himself as a key figure for Sunderland, playing full matches in recent fixtures including the derby win over Newcastle United.
Now, attention turns to how he will be used on international duty.
Murat Yakin outlines plan for Granit Xhaka minutes
Speaking to Swiss media ahead of upcoming friendlies, Yakin made it clear that while Xhaka is fit, his workload will be managed carefully.
“I’m in close contact with Granit. I’m not worried; he knows his body.” — Murat Yakin, via Blick
The Switzerland coach emphasised the importance of balancing availability with long-term fitness, particularly after the recent injury setback.
“We’ll discuss how long he’ll play.” — Murat Yakin
Sunderland role highlights importance of Xhaka
Since joining Sunderland from Bayer Leverkusen in July 2025, Xhaka has played a central role in the team, both as captain and as a consistent starter.
| Stat (Premier League 2025/26) | Granit Xhaka |
|---|---|
| Appearances | 27 |
| Starts | 25 |
| Minutes played | 2,273 |
| Minutes per game | 84 |
source: sofascore match data – 23 March 2026
Those numbers underline his importance within the squad and explain why both club and country are cautious about overloading him.
From recent matches we’ve covered, Xhaka’s leadership and consistency have been key factors in Sunderland’s performances this season.
Careful balance after recent injury return
Xhaka missed five matches earlier this year due to the ankle issue but has since returned to full match fitness, completing 90 minutes in consecutive games.
Yakin’s comments suggest that while the midfielder is ready to contribute, Switzerland will avoid pushing him too far during friendly fixtures.
Having followed Sunderland closely this season, managing player fitness during international breaks has become increasingly important, particularly for players with high minute loads.
However, it remains too early to determine how much Xhaka will feature across both matches.
Switzerland fixtures during international break
Switzerland are scheduled to play two friendlies during the March window:
• Germany — 27 March 2026
• Norway — 31 March 2026
These fixtures provide an opportunity for squad rotation, which could influence Xhaka’s involvement.
Key Insights
- Granit Xhaka has returned from an ankle injury sustained in January
- Switzerland will manage his minutes during the international break
- He remains a key player for both Sunderland and his national team
- Yakin is in close communication with the midfielder
- Friendly fixtures allow flexibility in managing workload
What’s next for Xhaka and Sunderland?
Xhaka is expected to feature in Switzerland’s upcoming friendlies, although likely with reduced minutes compared to competitive matches.
Following the international break, he will return to Sunderland, where his role as captain and key midfielder will continue to be crucial for the remainder of the season.
0 Comments
First read message
Leave a comment
Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *