Switzerland will be without leading scorer Johan Manzambi for Saturday's World Cup quarter-final against Argentina, coach Murat Yakin said on Friday, dealing a blow to the Swiss as they prepare to face the reigning champions in Kansas City.
Manzambi, who has three goals and two assists at the tournament, also missed Switzerland's penalty shootout victory over Colombia in the last 16 after suffering a knee injury, and Yakin said the midfielder had failed to recover in time.
"We tried everything that we could to get him back, unfortunately, he's unable to perform tomorrow," Yakin said.
"Johan Manzambi is in a lot of pain. It was a shock to all of us. This momentum was on his side, and there is so much joy when he plays football."
Captain Granit Xhaka dismissed suggestions Switzerland, who have made the quarter-finals for the first time in 72 years, were preoccupied with eight-times Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi, insisting the focus was on upsetting Argentina.
Former Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann had raised eyebrows this week when he claimed on German television that Swiss players appeared to have "too much respect" for Messi and only wanted to leave the game with the Argentine captain's shirt.
"We tried everything that we could to get him back, unfortunately, he's unable to perform tomorrow," Yakin said.
"Johan Manzambi is in a lot of pain. It was a shock to all of us. This momentum was on his side, and there is so much joy when he plays football."
Captain Granit Xhaka dismissed suggestions Switzerland, who have made the quarter-finals for the first time in 72 years, were preoccupied with eight-times Ballon d'Or winner Lionel Messi, insisting the focus was on upsetting Argentina.
Former Germany goalkeeper Jens Lehmann had raised eyebrows this week when he claimed on German television that Swiss players appeared to have "too much respect" for Messi and only wanted to leave the game with the Argentine captain's shirt.
"Now after 72 years, to be able to be here with Switzerland and to play against the reigning champions, it just makes me very proud.
"But I am not here to talk. I want to take the next steps, and we're very close to the end. I am yearning for it, I am hungry and now we just need to show how much we really want it on the pitch."
Xhaka featured in the Switzerland team that lost 1-0 to Argentina after extra time in the last-16 at the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, but he does not consider the rematch a chance to even the score.
"It's not going to be revenge. This is a completely different match," he said. "Now we are in the quarter-final, and we want to win. This is our overarching aim.
"Regarding (Swiss) fans: keep dreaming. I am a person who always dreams, and dreams can come true. If we want to fulfil our dreams, you need to work, you need to sweat, you need to push your limits if you want to beat Argentina."
The Swiss are also unconcerned about the hot conditions forecast for Kansas City, rejecting any notion that it might favour an Argentina side who have been based in the Missouri city throughout the tournament.
"When you're in the quarter-final, you don't really care about the weather," Xhaka said. "There are no excuses."
