Xhaka injured – Switzerland loses captain for internationals

On Sunday, the 34‑year‑old Swiss international Granit Xhaka injured his left ankle during AFC Sunderland’s Premier League match against Chelsea and had to leave the field after just four minutes, meaning he is expected to miss the upcoming international fixtures for the national team against Slovenia and Scotland.

Robbie Jay Barratt reports bitter news from the English Premier League. The announcement is of particular interest to everyone following Swiss football and AFC Sunderland.

Club context and injury details

Xhaka, who played for Borussia Mönchengladbach from 2012 to 2016 and for Bayer 04 Leverkusen from 2023 to 2025, has been under contract with English club AFC Sunderland since his departure from the factory team.

In today’s 1‑0 victory for his side over Chelsea, whose coach Xabi Alonso is his former manager, Xhaka had to leave the pitch after just four minutes.

Apparently, the Sunderland captain and 152‑time Swiss international already suffered an injury to his left ankle in the third minute, making any continuation impossible.

After a brief treatment he was replaced by Jules Ahoka, while Xhaka left the field with his head down.

The injury hits the player at the most unfortunate time, as national coach Murat Yakin had selected him again in November after he had not been called up in the previous international window.

Thus, the 2026 international season appears to be over for Xhaka, although his participation remains uncertain until an official diagnosis is released.

His most recent appearance for Switzerland was in the World Cup quarter‑final against Argentina.

Xhaka could suffer a similar fate to Waldemar Anton, who had to cancel his international trip with the German team over the weekend because head coach Jürgen Klopp was unavailable due to muscular problems.

Klopp has already nominated a defensive star from RB Leipzig for Anton.