Switzerland and England collide on Saturday (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)
Granit Xhaka is expected to return to training today ahead of Switzerland’s Euro 2024 quarter-final against England.
The Bayer Leverkusen has been the heartbeat of the Swiss side that has been so impressive this summer, eliminating defending champions Italy in style last week to reach the last eight of the competition.
England await in Dusseldorf on Saturday evening with the winners of that game to meet either Netherlands or Turkey in the semi-final.
Former Arsenal star Xhaka suffered an adductor injury in training last week, feeling its effects late on in the 2-0 win over 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.
Xhaka revealed the injury on Sunday (Picture: AFP via Getty Images)
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 could switch to a system with three at the back. With Marc Guehi suspended, the reshuffle could see Ezri Konsa replace the Crystal Palace star, coming in alongside John Stones with Kyle Walker moving inside to the right of that trio.