“Making progress” – National manager with mixed injury news for Leeds United

Switzerland manager Murat Yakin has confirmed Leeds United’s Noah Okafor will miss the March international break due to an injury.

The winger last featured in Leeds United’s FA Cup win over Birmingham City on February 15th. Since then, he has been on the sidelines due to a hamstring injury.

Okafor had recently returned to training before a new hip problem ruled him out for the league draw against Crystal Palace at the weekend.

The setback has handed him a massive blow as it has further delayed his long return to the national team.

Okafor hasn’t represented his country since arriving at Elland Road from AC Milan in August 2025. In fact, he made one appearance since June 2024, and it was in November of that year.

Timeline of Leeds United player’s NT saga

It’s important to provide a background on why Murat Yakin repeatedly overlooked Noah Okafor and what changed in recent weeks.

The Whites man’s attitude while with Switzerland at Euro 2024 was deemed questionable. Last October, Sport Witness covered claims that the manager’s bitterness dates back to the Euros and he didn’t want Okafor around the squad.

Yakin again left him out of the squad in November, resulting in a public outburst from the 25-year-old. He accused the national team boss and their director, Pierluigi Tami, of not communicating with him.

Later that month, Tami urged Okafor to be “humble”, while Yakin said in January the door is always open for him.

In February, Yakin, Tami and the Swiss FA’s media officer Adrian Arnold all made a trip to the UK. The trio watched Okafor live in action against Nottingham Forest and held talks with him.

Tami said the parties had an “honest, clarifying, and constructive conversations”. This led to suggestion he could be back in the squad for the upcoming international break.

Injury derails Switzerland comeback

Switzerland face Germany and Norway in the coming weeks and earlier today, Yakin announced his squad.

Okafor didn’t make it due to an injury, and the manager had a chat with him to find out about his situation. Nau.ch have relayed his comments.

“I had planned to have him in the squad, unfortunately he’s injured now. He’s making good progress, we’re in contact. We also spoke recently on the phone about him staying focused,” he said.

That would suggest that whilst Okafor isn’t ready for Switzerland, he should be available for Leeds United soon.

Okafor’s numbers with Leeds United

With a contract until 2029, Transfermarkt value him at €18m, and it increased by €5m since joining Farke’s side.

Below are his stats from the Premier League so far