BERN, Switzerland — In a significant boost to its World Cup preparations, the Swiss national football team has recalled defender Alvyn Sanches to the squad, marking a triumphant return exactly one year after a devastating ACL injury cut short his international debut.
The 23-year-old’s comeback headlines a series of returns for coach Murat Yakin, who has also reintegrated AC Milan playmaker Ardon Jashari and Monaco captain Denis Zakaria into his plans for crucial warmup matches this month. These returning players, now fully recovered from their respective injuries, provide renewed depth and options for Die Nati as they fine-tune their roster.
Switzerland’s preparation schedule features two high-profile friendlies against fellow World Cup qualifiers. The team will first host Germany on March 27th at St. Jakob-Park in Basel, followed by an away fixture against Norway in Oslo just four days later.
Sanches’ journey back to the national team has been particularly dramatic. His initial call-up last year came during an impressive club season with Lausanne, but his debut ended in heartbreak when he sustained a serious knee injury deep into stoppage time during a 1-1 friendly draw against Northern Ireland.
Despite still recovering from his injury, Sanches secured a transfer to Swiss Super League champions Young Boys in September for a reduced fee, with his contract at Lausanne set to expire this season.
The Swiss squad has successfully qualified for their sixth consecutive FIFA Men’s World Cup, earning placement in a group alongside Canada, Qatar, and the winner of the European playoffs bracket—potentially Italy, depending on the outcome of matches scheduled for March 31st.