Switzerland's hopes of welcoming back Granit Xhaka for the final international break of the year have been dashed following a fresh injury blow for the Sunderland midfielder. The veteran captain was expected to return to the fold after a controversial period away, but a calf issue sustained during club duties has left Murat Yakin without his most experienced leader.
On Sly Calcio Club, Paolo Di Canio commented on the current form of Ruben Amorim’s Milan, who lost to Ferencvàros in the Europa League but won yesterday’s league match in Genoa against Genoa.
Fulham’s rising star Josh King has opened up on his swift integration into the senior England setup, identifying Real Madrid superstar Jude Bellingham as a key figure in his development. The 19-year-old midfielder was a shock inclusion in Thomas Tuchel’s latest squad as the Three Lions prepare for crucial Nations League fixtures against Croatia and Spain.
Netherlands head coach Xavi Hernandez has offered a mixed review of Frenkie de Jong’s recent tactical evolution under Hansi Flick. While the former Barcelona manager was quick to label De Jong as a world-class talent, he admitted to being perplexed by Flick's decision to deploy the 29-year-old in a defensive role.
France have been forced to alter their defensive plans for the final Nations League qualifying matches following an injury blow to Pierre Kalulu. The Juventus defender has officially withdrawn from the camp, opening the door for a rising star from the Bundesliga to make his mark.
