​Switzerland were already facing a monumental task in their World Cup quarter-final against Argentina, and the news of a major injury only makes that challenge tougher. The Swiss secured their first World Cup quarter-final since hosting the tournament in 1954 by beating Colombia on penalties in the last 16. Now they head to Kansas City to face Lionel Messi and his teammates, a match in which Argentina are clear favorites. That said, Switzerland still have a chance, but they enter as underdogs compared with the defending champions. The absence of Johan Manzambi makes the task even more daunting.
Switzerland coach Murat Yakin confirmed that the Freiburg midfielder—who is expected to sign for Newcastle United after the World Cup—will miss the game. The 20-year-old suffered a knee injury and was sidelined for the Colombia clash. Tragically for the Swiss, he will not be fit in time for the showdown with the world champions.
“Unfortunately, Johan Manzambi’s injury hurts us enormously,” Yakin 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. While he wasn’t exactly a household name, he has surpassed expectations, scoring three goals and recording two assists, and his absence leaves a noticeable gap for a Swiss side that had relied on him for an attacking threat.
A Switzerland win would be a huge upset, even if Argentina no longer look as imposing as they did four years ago. The winner of that quarter-final will go on to face the victor between Norway and England in a high-profile Miami encounter that will be staged a few hours later.