(Credit: Manh Tung, Breaking Media)

Jacob Raw

Sun 31 May 2026 14:02, UK

Noah Okafor has missed Switzerland’s matchday squad to face Jordan in a friendly this Sunday, and a statement has been released on the Leeds United star’s issue.

The winger put his differences with Switzerland boss Murat Yakin aside to earn a spot in his nation’s squad for the World Cup this summer, but could face a new worry.

Okafor has been in fine form for the Whites, but missed the club’s last three games of the Premier League season due to a calf injury.

However, an injury update from Switzerland’s camp on Saturday stated that the forward is unavailable for the friendly against Jordan this weekend, as reported by the Yorkshire Evening Post.

It’s said in the statement that Okafor is still struggling with a calf problem, and therefore doubts over his World Cup inclusion could linger.

Will Noah Okafor miss the World Cup?

Okafor previously had a run-in with his Switzerland boss Yakin, but has since made up, and was set to play for his country at this year’s World Cup.

While there will be doubts that his calf injury could keep him out, it’s said that Yakin has no concerns about the Leeds forwards’ long-term availability.

As seen in the table above, Okafor’s season can be seen as a success, especially considering it was his first taste of English football.

He’s more than deserving of going to the World Cup, but there may still be doubts due to his calf issue that’s yet to subside.

Switzerland’s statement regarding injuries read: “Three players will be unavailable for the game in St. Gallen’s Kybunpark. Among the players who will not see action is starting goalkeeper Gregor Kobel.

“Also unavailable are Okafor, who is still struggling with a calf injury, and Fabian Rieder, who injured his ankle in training on Wednesday. However, Yakin is not worried about the long-term availability of either player.”

So thankfully, it seems like Whites fans may still be able to see the much-loved Okafor play his heart out in North America this summer.

This is the potential severity of Okafor’s injury

Okafor picked up his calf injury in the early stages of May, ending his season for the Whites with a goal in the 3-1 win over Burnley, before coming off injured.

Calf issues are always tricky to recover from, and players often deal with minor setbacks when recovering from small tears or other issues with this muscle.

Calf injury severity:

• Grade 1 calf issue: 1-3 weeks
• Grade 2 calf issue: 3-8 weeks
• Grade 3 calf issue: 2-6 months

Okafor is now in grade two territory for calf injuries, but given that Yakin has ruled out his long-term absence, we can now breathe a sigh of relief.

The worst-case scenario for the Leeds star would be him remaining sidelined for another four weeks, which could keep him out of the first two weeks of the World Cup.

However, the statement suggests he and one of his Switzerland teammates should be okay for the World Cup, meaning he could be back in training in a maximum of two weeks’ time.