Switzerland fear huge issue as Manzambi leaves training
Switzerland face a late fitness scare before their World Cup last-16 clash with Colombia, after Johan Manzambi, Rubén Vargas and Djibril Sow all cut Monday's training short. Coach Murat Yakin called it a potential "huge issue" as the trio undergo medical checks ahead of Tuesday's knockout at BC Place in Vancouver. With the colombia switzerland tie hours away, Switzerland must solve squad doubts while chasing a first quarter-final since 1954.
Key Takeaways
- Manzambi, Vargas and Sow left training early Monday without specifics given; medical exams were scheduled that afternoon.
- Yakin said losing them would be a "huge issue," though he stressed Switzerland have depth and remain optimistic.
- Manzambi has three goals and two assists in four matches, including a breakthrough role in the 2-0 win over Algeria.
- Defender Luca Jaquez and midfielder Michel Aebischer also missed training with muscle concerns.
- Colombia arrive without striker Jhon Córdoba but with Luis Suárez expected to start after his hamstring injury.
Why did Manzambi and two teammates leave training?
Switzerland announced that Manzambi, Vargas and Sow all ended Monday's session early, but the federation did not disclose reasons. Yakin told reporters the players would undergo medical examinations that afternoon, leaving their status uncertain until the last moment.
"If they might not play tomorrow, it can be a huge issue for us," Yakin said, according to ESPN. "We will see what happens this afternoon, because they will go through some medical examination, but this is football. You always have to adjust until the very last minute."
Defender Luca Jaquez and midfielder Michel Aebischer also did not train and may miss the match, the team said. Sports Illustrated reported both have been dealing with muscle issues, with Aebischer training individually in a bid to recover.
How big a blow would missing Manzambi be?
The 20-year-old midfielder has been Switzerland's breakout star at the 2026 World Cup. He was not a starter when the tournament began but forced his way into the XI after scoring twice off the bench in a 4-1 group win over Bosnia-Herzegovina, becoming the youngest player to score two goals as a substitute at a World Cup.
Manzambi was central to Switzerland's 2-0 round-of-32 victory over Algeria, a result that ended an 88-year wait for a World Cup knockout win, Reuters reported. He has scored three goals and provided two assists in four appearances, displaying the versatility that has stymied opponents.
Yakin acknowledged Manzambi would be especially difficult to replace. "It's probably going to be a little bit difficult with Johan Manzambi. I hope not. Everything is still up in the air," he said. Still, he insisted it would not be a disaster: "Everybody wants to play. We have so many different options."
What should fans expect from the Colombia Switzerland showdown?
The match kicks off Tuesday at BC Place in Vancouver, with Switzerland and Colombia both chasing a quarter-final berth. Midfielder Ardon Jashari told reporters on Sunday that Colombia would be Switzerland's toughest test of the tournament, with passionate support expected in the stands after the hostile atmosphere the Swiss faced against co-hosts Canada.
Switzerland have reached the knockout rounds at six straight World Cups but were eliminated at the last-16 stage in 2006, 2014, 2018 and 2022. A win on Tuesday would send them to the quarter-finals for the first time since 1954.
Colombia will be without striker Jhon Córdoba, ruled out for the rest of the tournament with a hamstring strain suffered against Ghana. Sporting CP forward Luis Suárez is expected to start in his place. James Rodríguez was forced off at halftime in that Ghana tie but appears set to feature, per Sports Illustrated.
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