Sunderland captain Granit Xhaka has clarified his fitness after being taken off at half-time in Switzerland’s 4-3 friendly defeat to Germany on Friday.
According to Sunderland Echo, the midfielder said the substitution had been arranged before kick-off and did not indicate a new setback.
The 33-year-old recently missed five consecutive club matches with an ankle problem, but has since started Sunderland’s last two games, including the 2-1 win over Newcastle United at St James’ Park.
Xhaka was named in Switzerland’s starting XI for the meeting with the four-time world champions, then departed at the interval as planned.
Switzerland were level at 2-2 at the break before Germany edged the contest 4-3.
