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Switzerland will be without star player Johan Manzambi for their World Cup quarter-final clash against reigning champions Argentina, confirmed head coach Murat Yakin.
"Unfortunately, Johan cannot play tomorrow. We tried to get him back to fitness, but it's still not possible," Yakin stated at a pre-match press conference on Saturday.
Manzambi was forced to cut short training before the Round of 16 match against Colombia due to a bruised knee and missed the dramatic penalty shootout victory. The 20-year-old, who is reportedly set to sign with English club Newcastle, has scored three goals in the tournament so far.
"It hurts a lot," Yakin said, describing it as a "shocking moment" from which the player has not yet managed to recover in time.
Switzerland's hopes of upsetting Argentina and superstar Lionel Messi remain high. Captain Granit Xhaka expressed pride in the Swiss team's performance. The squad has reached a World Cup quarter-final for the first time since 1954.
"We want to take the next step. Our confidence stems from the performance against Colombia. If we show that same unity once again, we can also disappoint Argentina," asserted the experienced Granit Xhaka.
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