Switzerland were already facing a huge challenge in the World Cup quarter-final against Argentina but news of a big injury is an unwelcome blow.
The Swiss booked their first World Cup quarter-final since they hosted the tournament back in 1954 by beating Colombia on penalties in the last 16.
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They will now head to Kansas City to meet Lionel Messi and company, a game that Argentina will no doubt be overwhelming favourites for.
While not to suggest that the Swiss do not have a chance at all, it’s clear that they head into the game as relative underdogs.
Having to play it without Johan Manzambi makes it even more daunting.
Johan Manzambi injured for Switzerland against Argentina
Switzerland coach Murat Yakin has confirmed that the Freiburg midfielder, who is expected to join English Premier League side Newcastle United after the World Cup, will miss the game.
The 20-year-old suffered a knee injury and missed the Colombia game. Sadly for the Swiss, he will not be fit in time to face the world champions.
“Unfortunately, Johan Manzambi’s injury hurts us enormously,” he said.
“It was a real shock. He had momentum on his side. You could see the joy with which he was playing and also how his teammates responded. You could see how well everything had been functioning during this tournament. Unfortunately, he can’t play.”
Manzambi has been one of the breakout stars of the World Cup thus far. Though not quite an unknown heading into the tournament, it would certainly be fair to say that he has exceeded expectations.
Manzambi has scored three goals while registering two assists during the tournament thus far and his absence no doubt weakens a Swiss side who have lacked a goal threat without him.
A Switzerland win would be a huge shock, even if Argentina do not look quite as strong as they did four years ago. The winners of that game will play whoever wins between Norway and England in Miami a few hours before.
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