Granit Xhaka is due to return to training today ahead of Switzerland’s Euro 2024 quarterfinal match against England.
Bayer Leverkusen has been the heartbeat of the Swiss team that has been so outstanding this summer, defeating reigning champions Italy in style last week to advance to the competition’s final eight.
England will play in Dusseldorf on Saturday evening, with the winner of that encounter facing either the Netherlands or Turkey in the semi-final.
Former Arsenal player Xhaka suffered an adductor injury in training last week and felt the consequences late in the 2-0 victory against Italy.
The midfielder underwent a scan on Monday to determine its severity, missing training again on Wednesday just three days out from the meeting with Gareth Southgate’s side.
Blick report Xhaka was working on a special training programme on Thursday away from the rest of the squad but will take part in a session behind closed doors later today.
Xhaka’s scan this week showed no sign of serious injury with Blick reporting his participation against England on Saturday is not in danger.
Ruben Vargas also missed training this week but was back among the group on Thursday.
Xhaka left Arsenal last summer to end his seven-year spell in north London, going onto achieve remarkable success with Bayer under Xabi Alonso with glory on the international stage now in his sights.
‘I’m not going to say we’re going to win the tournament,’ Xhaka said.
‘But we’re going to do everything we can to get there. I feel like we’re not done yet. We’re hungrier than ever.’
England meanwhile will need to improve on their underwhelming showings so far in Germany with Gareth Southgate considering a major tactical tweak for Saturday’s game.
The England boss might opt for a three-man defence. With Marc Guehi banned, Ezri Konsa might replace the Crystal Palace star, alongside John Stones, with Kyle Walker sliding inside to the right of the trio.