Johan Manzambi suffers injury ahead of Switzerland's World Cup last 16 clash

Newcastle United target Johan Manzambi looks set to miss Switzerland's World Cup clash with Colombia.

Those of us who were looking forward to watching Newcastle's main summer target in World Cup action again tonight are in for a disappointment.

As rumours rumble on about Newcastle beginning talks with Freiburg over a move for the talented 20-year-old, it looks as though his World Cup adventure could be cruelly cut short.

The midfielder who has been an integral part of Switzerland's World Cup journey so far has reportedly picked up an injury in training.

Johan Manzambi is out of tonight's Round of 16 tie

Sky Sports Germany has posted on X that Manzambi picked up an injury in his final training session before tonight's game and will definitely miss the Round of 16 tie with Colombia.

The Chronicle report that the knee issue is not thought to be serious, but it will keep him out of tonight’s game and could impact Switzerland chance of progression. 

"Switzerland must do without Johan #Manzambi in the World Cup round of 16 against Colombia. ❌

"The midfielder suffered a knee injury in the final training session, according to information from Blick – apparently without any foul play during a drill. A subsequent MRI scan confirmed the injury.

"This means it's certain: Manzambi will definitely miss the round of 16 against Colombia. 🤕"

Every cloud...

This is obviously a huge blow for Switzerland and a huge disappointment for those of us hoping to watch our potential new signing in action.

Without Manzambi, Switzerland may find it even more difficult to get beyond Colombia, but if they do, the question is then whether this injury will keep him out of the quarter-finals too.

On the plus side, if the injury is enough to end his World Cup, or if Switzerland fails to progress tonight, it could accelerate Newcastle's move for him.