Squad for October Games – Shaqiri returns to Nati – Lotomba is here for the first time – Sport

Vladimir Petkovic can count on Xherdan Shaqiri again for the international matches in October. Jordan Lotomba debuts.

Xherdan Shaqiri last played for the Swiss national team in June 2019 in the Nations League final in Portugal. Now, the 28-year-old returns to the SFV squad after 482 days. This was announced by national coach Vladimir Petkovic at a press conference in St. Gallen on Friday.

Thus, in October an acquaintance in the national team will end. Switzerland will play a friendly first against Croatia (October 7), followed by the two Nations League matches against Spain (10th) and Germany (13th).

The “Shaqiri Cause” was the number 1 issue at the press conference. When asked about Shaqiri’s sporting situation in general, Petkovic said: “Xherdan needs our help. And we need Xherdan’s help to improve even further. It’s a win-win situation. “

With Shaqiri, the national coach also hopes to have more quality of play on offense. In the last matches “you have seen that without Xherdan there is a lack of fun,” Petkovic said: “I hope he brings a little more quality to our team.”

Lotomba for the first time

There were no big surprises with the rest of the squad. Jordan Lotomba, who moved to Nice this summer, is there for the first time. All the other players Petkovic nominated were already on the senior team. Simon Sohm and Becir Omeragic, the two young FC Zurich players, are still waiting for their debut. The same goes for Jonas Omlin.

Many returnees

Compared to the international matches in September, Fabian Schär, Admir Mehmedi, Remo Freuler, Edimilson Fernandes, Cedric Itten and Eray Cömert have returned. While some players suffered injuries, Cömert and Fernandes contracted the coronavirus in September and thus were unable to play international matches.