Switzerland manager Murat Yakin has confirmed that Leeds United's Noah Okafor will miss the March international break through injury.
The winger last featured in Leeds United's FA Cup win over Birmingham City on 15 February. Since then he has been out of the team due to a hamstring injury.
Okafor recently returned to training, but a new hip problem forced him out of the league draw against Crystal Palace at the weekend.
This setback has come as a huge blow to him as it has further delayed his return to the national team.
Okafor has not represented his country since arriving at Elland Road from AC Milan in August 2025. In fact, he had made an appearance since June 2024, and that was in November of that year.
Timeline of the NT saga of Leeds United players
It's important to provide background on why Murat Yakin repeatedly ignored Noah Okafor and what changed in recent weeks.
white man's living together attitude Switzerland considered doubtful for Euro 2024. Last October, Sports Witness Covered Claims The manager was bitter at the Euros and did not want Okafor to remain in the team.
Yakin dropped him from the team again in November, resulting in a public outburst from the 25-year-old. He accused the national team boss and his director Pierluigi Tammi of not communicating with him.
At the end of that month, Tami urged Okafor needs to be "polite," while Yakin said in January that the door is always open to him.
In February, Yakin, Tammy and Swiss FA media officer Adrian Arnold all traveled to the UK. The trio watched Okafor in live action against Nottingham Forest and chatted with him.
Tami said There were "honest, frank and constructive talks" between the parties. This led to suggestions that he could return to the team for the upcoming international break.
Switzerland's comeback derailed by injury
Switzerland face Germany and Norway in the coming weeks and Yakin announced his squad this morning.
Okafor missed the game due to injury and the manager spoke with him to learn more about his condition. 9.f Has released his comments.
"I had planned to include him in the team, unfortunately he is now injured. He is making good progress, we are in touch. We also spoke to him on the phone recently about staying focused." He said.
This suggests that although Okafor is not ready for Switzerland, he should be available for Leeds United soon.
Okafor's numbers with Leeds United
With a contract until 2029, transfer market He is valued at €18 million, and has increased by €5 million since joining Farke's side.
Below are his statistics from the Premier League so far
| premier league 2025/26 | |
|---|---|
| appearances | 23 |
| will start | 15 |
| total minutes | 1282 |
| minutes per game | 56 |
| Target | 4 |
| Help | 0 |
🇷🇺Eduard Spertsyan | The player talks about Leeds United and Southampton
➡️ It was a pleasure working with Daniel Farke
✅thinks #SAFC failure can be for the best
❌ Agent not found now
➡️ Still wants to walk
...complex doesn't cover it enough 👇https://t.co/D8tR995xI2- Sports Witness (@Sport_Witness) 4 March 2026
