Silvan Widmer
M05
Right Back
Overlapping Full Back
Mar 5, 1993 (33)
Right
6'0"
170 lb
Returns to contention
Widmer (knee) is available for Saturday's Bundesliga fixture against Schalke 04 after recovering from his injury, according to coach Urs Fischer. "Zentner, Kohr, Ruoppi and Silas will be missing on Saturday. All other players are ready for the squad."
Analysis: Widmer is back in contention after missing four consecutive Bundesliga matches due to a knee injury. The defender recently returned to team training but was not included in the squad against Bayer Leverkusen as Mainz continued to manage his recovery. He has made just one Bundesliga appearance this season, coming off the bench in the opening fixture, and will now look to regain playing time. Widmer's return provides manager Urs Fischer with another option on the right side of defense, although his limited recent involvement could initially restrict him to a substitute role.
Not available Saturday
Widmer (knee) is not in the squad for Saturday's match against Leverkusen.
Analysis: Widmer misses a fourth straight match despite returning to team training this week. He made a positive impression on coach Urs Fischer, but his inclusion remained uncertain given his limited time back with the group. His lone appearance this season remains a substitute outing in the opener, and he will have to wait for another opportunity to return to action.
In question for Saturday
Widmer (knee) is a late call for Saturday's match against Leverkusen, according to manager Urs Fischer. "Silvan has returned to team training this week and has left a good impression. It was to be noted that they worked hard during the injury. Whether a week of training is enough for a squad nomination, I don't know yet."
Analysis: Widmer is one of a few Mainz players who could be in for a return Saturday, although it will depend on some late testing as he remains questionable. The midfielder has not been an option since the season opener, appearing off the bench before three straight matches missed. That said, if he were to make a return, he would likely get a spot on the bench.
Trains fully Tuesday
Widmer (knee) fully rejoined team training Tuesday and completed the entire session as he closes in on a return from his patellar tendon injury, according to Allgemeine Zeitung.
Analysis: Widmer has taken a major step forward after previously being limited to individual work during the international break, putting him on the verge of a return to the matchday squad. The right back reportedly looked sharp during Tuesday's session and even found the net with a header, an encouraging sign after missing Mainz's last three Bundesliga matches. He could now work his way back into contention for Saturday's clash with Bayer Leverkusen, though his workload may need to be managed following the layoff.
Resumes ball work
Widmer (knee) has resumed individual training on the pitch and is already working with the ball as he continues his recovery from a patellar tendon injury, he announced on Instagram. "Not where I want to be yet. But getting closer every day, Comeback loading"
Analysis: Widmer suffered a patellar tendon injury in his left knee and has missed Mainz's last three Bundesliga matches while undergoing conservative treatment. The right-back has now progressed to individual work on the pitch with the ball during the international break, providing a positive update as he works his way back from the injury. This represents a meaningful step toward team training, though his own admission that he is not yet where he wants to be suggests he still has work to do before a full return, with his ability to rejoin the squad during the break set to depend on how he progresses.
Out for several weeks
Widmer has suffered a patellar tendon injury in his knee and will be unavailable for the coming weeks, according to the club.
Analysis: Widmer was already ruled out of Sunday's Bundesliga clash against Hamburger due to the knee problem, with further assessment now confirming a patellar tendon injury. The defender is set for a multi-week absence, though Mainz have not provided a firm timetable for his return. Widmer has primarily operated as a reserve option this season, so his absence should have limited impact on the starting XI, but it reduces Mainz's experienced depth on the right side of defense.
Ruled out with knee issue
Widmer will miss Sunday's Bundesliga clash against Hamburger due to a knee problem, the club announced.
Analysis: Widmer has primarily served as a reserve option this season, so his absence should have limited impact on Mainz's starting setup. The defender can nevertheless provide experience and cover in multiple roles on the right side, meaning his injury removes an additional option from the bench. With no timeline provided for his recovery, his availability beyond Sunday's contest remains uncertain.
Returns to training with Mainz
Widmer reported back to training with Mainz on Tuesday.
Analysis: Widmer started in one of his five 2026 World Cup appearances with Switzerland. The defender should be ready to start for Mainz in the Bundesliga opener against Paderborn on Aug. 29.
Starts once at World Cup
Widmer generated one tackle (one won) and three clearances in Saturday's 3-1 defeat versus Argentina.
Analysis: Widmer would appear from the bench Saturday, notching a decent 34-minute shift as he recorded one tackle won and three clearances. The defender would only start in one of his five appearances at the World Cup, recording two interceptions, four tackles and nine clearances. He now heads back to Mainz, where he will likely have a starting role waiting on the right flank.
Could start against Algeria
Widmer is fully fit and could start Switzerland's Round of 32 against Algeria after missing just one training session due to a hip issue, according to Radio Tele Suisse.
Analysis: Widmer's quick return to full training puts him in direct contention for the starting right-back role against Algeria, competing with Dennis Zakaria for the position if Luca Jaquez (undisclosed) is ruled out. The Mainz right-back enjoyed a solid 2025/26 Bundesliga season, making 27 appearances across 1,819 minutes and contributing two goals and one assist for his club, and brings valuable experience and an attacking threat from full-back that Switzerland will hope to utilize in what is a decisive fixture. His ability to combine defensive reliability with forward runs and crossing output makes him a key option for coach Murat Yakin as the Swiss look to qualify for the round of 16.
Back in training after hip concern
Widmer (hip) returned to team training on Tuesday after missing Monday's session, according to bluewin.
Analysis: Widmer bounced back quickly from the hip issue, rejoining the team session on Tuesday and putting himself in direct competition with Dennis Zakaria for the right back berth against Algeria, with Luca Jaquez's availability for the clash remaining uncertain.
Suffering from hip injury
Widmer was not in training Sunday due to a hip injury ahead of Thursday's match against Algeria, according to Lucas Werder of Blick Sports.
Analysis: Widmer is bringing some concerns to the Swiss team ahead of their round of 32 game, as he was unable to train due to a hip injury. This will be something to watch for the team, as he did start in one game and has appeared in their last two, a useful option at right-back. That said, if he were to miss time, expect Luca Jaquez or Denis Zakaria to start on the right.
Little impact but active in attack
Widmer had four crosses (one accurate) and four clearances in Thursday's 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Analysis: Widmer came into the side at right back at the expense of Denis Zakaria after starting the opening game on the bench. He had the fewest touches of any Swiss defender and completed just 20 passes as Switzerland's attacking play was channeled more through Ricardo Rodriguez and Dan Ndoye on the opposite flank. However he was far from inactive, making several runs into dangerous areas and getting into the opposition box on multiple occasions, though he was unable to turn that into a shot or a chance created.
Set to start at right-back
Widmer has been named in Switzerland's World Cup squad and is expected to start at right-back under coach Murat Yakin, arriving at the tournament after a solid campaign with Mainz in the Bundesliga.
Analysis: Widmer contributed two goals and one assist alongside 40 tackles across 27 appearances this season, providing the attacking and defensive output expected of a modern full-back at the highest level. His ability to get forward and contribute in the final third while maintaining his defensive responsibilities makes him a well-rounded option on the right side of the Swiss backline, and his Bundesliga experience gives him the physical and tactical preparation needed to perform in a demanding tournament environment. Widmer is a reliable and experienced option for manager Murat Yakin on the right flank, bringing familiarity with the national team's system and the composure to deliver consistent performances under pressure.
Provides assist in win
Widmer assisted once to go with one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 2-1 victory against FC St. Pauli.
Analysis: Widmer set up Phillipp Mwene's 40th minute goal after taking Phillip Tietz's layoff, exploding down the right flank at full speed and hitting the byline before cutting it back for a simple close-range finish. He added two tackles and three clearances to round out a solid all-around performance, continuing his steady impact this season. He now sits on two goals and one assist across 26 Bundesliga appearances, (21 starts), showing consistent minutes and reliable contributions.
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