Johan Manzambi
FreiburgAM
Shadow Striker
Oct 14, 2005 (20)
Right
6'0"
165 lb
Officially ruled out
Manzambi (knee) will not play against Argentina after not receiving medical clearance, coach Murat Yakin said , per Blick Sport. "Johan unfortunately cannot play tomorrow. We tried everything, but there is no medical green light"
Analysis: Manzambi had been one of the standout performers of the tournament before the injury, scoring three goals and adding two assists across his last three games. He suffered a non-contact knee injury in training the day before the round of 16 clash with Colombia, which forced him out of that match entirely. Switzerland were noticeably blunter going forward without him, managing just two shots on target across 120 goalless minutes before advancing on penalties. He was still unable to train in the days that followed, seen on the sideline in a knee brace, and Yakin has now confirmed he won't be risked against Argentina. Fabian Rieder is the likely beneficiary, expected to retain his spot in central midfield after deputizing in the Colombia win.
Doesn't train, in knee brace
Manzambi (knee) was not in training Thursday as he watched from the side wearing a knee brace, according to ESPN Argentina.
Analysis: Manzambi looks to be heading towards the sidelines and another absence as the Swiss prepares for Argentina, with the midfielder not able to train and walking around in a knee brace. This brings major doubt to his availability, as with only two days until the game, he would need to see a major boost. This would leave the team without their top attacker as they face their toughest match of the tournament yet, with Ardon Jashari or Djibril Sow as possible replacements if he does remain out.
Ruled out for Colombia match
Manzambi has been ruled out of Switzerland's round of 16 match against Colombia after suffering a knee injury during the final training session, according to L'Equipe.
Analysis: Manzambi has been the breakout star of Switzerland's tournament, contributing three goals and two assists, making his absence a significant blow for the Nati ahead of a crucial knockout matchup. Fabian Rieder looks like the most likely candidate to step into the attack in his place, with Switzerland's depth in the final third set to be tested against Colombia. With Ruben Vargas and Djibril Sow both uncertain as well, Switzerland could be forced into further lineup changes, leaving manager Murat Yakin with some key decisions to make before kickoff.
Exits training early
Manzambi exited training early Monday ahead of Tuesday's match against Colombia and is now questionable, according to manager Murat Yakin, per Lucas Werder of Blick. "The annoyance is, of course, great that they had to interrupt training one day before the game. It would be a big loss if they couldn't stand on the court tomorrow. We will look closely today and tomorrow to see if they can still be there"
Analysis: Manzambi is a major concern for Switzerland as they head into their round of 16 clash, as the midfielder was forced to leave training. He has been their star in the attack this tournament with three goals and two assists, so this would be more than a major blow to the squad. That said, Ruben Vargas also left training early, another starter potentially set to miss out. If he does miss out, Fabian Rieder is a possible replacement, with Michel Aebischer (undisclosed) also unlikely to play.
Continues breakout World Cup
Manzambi assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Thursday's 2-0 win against Algeria.
Analysis: Manzambi was the catalyst for Switzerland's opening goal in Thursday's 2-0 win over Algeria, bursting forward on a counter-attack from his own half and driving down the left channel before delivering an inch-perfect cross for Breel Embolo to finish from close range in the first half, also registering one chance created and five duels won across his 71 minutes before being replaced by Noah Okafor after appearing to grimace with a knock. The forward is now the youngest player since 1966 to reach five goal involvements (three goals, two assists) at a World Cup, with his frightening pace, power and directness against Algeria reinforcing his status as the most exciting individual revelation of the tournament.
Nets and assists against Canada
Manzambi scored one goal and assisted once from two shots (one on target) and one chance created in Wednesday's 2-1 victory against Canada.
Analysis: Manzambi had his second brilliant display in a row despite not putting up eye-popping numbers, as he contributed to both goals, setting up Ruben Vargas with a sharp, low-driven cross from the right wing after shaking free and then scoring with some help from the opposing goalie, who let a routine shot go through because of a poor save. He's up to three goals in the competition. He has notched exactly two shots (three total on target) and one cross (one accurate overall) in the first three tilts, adding two key passes and three clearances.
Shines, scores twice vs. Bosnia
Manzambi scored twice off the bench in Thursday's 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Analysis: Manzambi was an absolute game-changer for Switzerland in this match, scoring twice despite entering the game in the 71st minute. He's very likely to move into a starting role for the group-stage finale against Canada on Wednesday, June 24.
Sets up goal in blowout win
Manzambi assisted once to go with two shots (zero on goal), one cross (one accurate) and two chances created in Saturday's 4-1 win versus RB Leipzig.
Analysis: Manzambi set up Freiburg's second goal with a perfect cross that was nodded home by Igor Matanovic. Manzambi was a steady contributor for Freiburg out of his midfield role, tallying five goals and four assists in 27 appearances (26 starts).
Tallies assist
Manzambi assisted once to go with three shots (one on goal), two crosses (one accurate) and one chance created in Sunday's 1-1 draw against Wolfsburg.
Analysis: Manzambi recorded a huge assist to help give Freiburg the lone goal Sunday. He's earned a steady spot in the starting XI during his second campaign with the club starting 24 of the 25 league games played, scoring five goals with three assists.
Opens scoring Sunday
Manzambi scored one goal to go with three shots (one on goal) and two chances created in Sunday's 2-1 win against FC Heidenheim.
Analysis: Manzambi opened up the scoring in Sunday's win with an outside-the-box strike in the 24th minute assisted by Vincenzo Grifo. It marked his fifth Bundesliga goal this season, two of which have come in his last three matches. He took three shots and created two chances before he was subbed off in the 68th minute for Nicolas Hofler.
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