SC Freiburg Team News - Soccer

Johan Manzambi - 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.

Impact 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.

11 HOURS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Johan Manzambi - 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.

Impact 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.

2 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Johan Manzambi - 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...

Impact 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.

3 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Florent Muslija - Back with Freiburg Muslija is back with Freiburg after spending the 2025/26 season on loan at Fortuna Dusseldorf.

Impact Muslija joined Fortuna Dusseldorf before the start of the 2025/26 season and saw regular action, making 30 appearances across all competitions and finishing with five goals and six assists. Muslija could add depth in the attacking third for Freiburg, but it wouldn't be surprising if he leaves the club on loan once again.

4 DAYS AGO • ROTOWIRE

Johan Manzambi - Continues breakout World Cup Manzambi assisted once to go with zero corners and one chance created in Thursday's 2-0 win against Algeria.

Impact 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.

JULY 3 • ROTOWIRE

Philipp Lienhart - Another six-clearance performance Lienhart recorded one shot off target and six clearances in Saturday's 3-3 draw versus Algeria.

Impact Lienhart has recorded six clearances in his two starts so far in the World Cup. Given he was on the bench against Argentina, and with Spain coming up in the Round of 32, it wouldn't be surprising if Lienhart returns to the bench in favor of Kevin Danso, who plays for Tottenham in the Premier League. Lienhart has 12 clearances, one tackle, one blocked shot and one shot off target so far in the World Cup.

JUNE 28 • ROTOWIRE

Johan Manzambi - 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.

Impact 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.

JUNE 25 • ROTOWIRE

Johan Manzambi - Shines, scores twice vs. Bosnia Manzambi scored twice off the bench in Thursday's 4-1 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Impact 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.

JUNE 18 • ROTOWIRE

Philipp Lienhart - Records six clearances Lienhart logged one tackle (one won), six clearances, one interception and one block during Tuesday's 3-1 win against Jordan.

JUNE 17 • ROTOWIRE

Keisuke Goto - Signs for Freiburg Goto has joined Freiburg from Anderlecht, with the 21-year-old Japanese striker arriving off the back of an impressive loan spell at St. Truiden in the Jupiler Pro League, his new...

Impact Goto scored 10 goals and provided five assists across 28 appearances for St. Truiden this season after previously netting 13 goals in 31 matches for Anderlecht's reserve side RSCA Futures in the Belgian second division. The striker, who represents Japan at the World Cup, brings a direct and aggressive playing style, strong movement in behind and an intelligent sense of positioning in the penalty area that sporting director Jochen Saier highlighted as key factors behind the recruitment. Goto expressed his excitement at joining a club that had shown genuine interest in him for months, describing Freiburg as a big club and looking forward to his first season in the Bundesliga.

JUNE 11 • ROTOWIRE

Philipp Lienhart - Composed center-back Lienhart has been named in Austria's World Cup squad and is expected to be one of the first-choice center-backs throughout the competition, bringing the composure and technical qua...

Impact Lienhart made 20 Bundesliga appearances for Freiburg this season after a campaign disrupted by injuris, contributing two goals across all competitions with his characteristic composure on the ball and aerial dominance whenever available. The defender brings eight seasons of Freiburg experience and a left-footed elegance in buildup that suits manager Rangnick's possession-based system, and his familiarity with the coaching staff's demands gives him a clear path to a starting berth. Lienhart heads into the World Cup as one of Austria's most technically gifted defenders and a player whose quality on the ball could be a key differentiator in high-pressure situations.

JUNE 5 • ROTOWIRE

Yuito Suzuki - Fit for World Cup Suzuki (collarbone) was named as an unused substitute in Sunday's 1-0 victory over Iceland, confirming he is fully fit for Japan's World Cup campaign, according to the JFA.

Impact Suzuki had been sidelined since suffering the right collarbone fracture during the match against Wolfsburg and had only recently returned to collective training with the national team, making his inclusion in the matchday squad a significant milestone in his recovery. The attacking midfielder is now available for coach Hajime Moriyasu ahead of Japan's World Cup opener against the Netherlands on June 14, with his creativity and technical quality making him a potentially important figure for the Samurai Blue throughout the tournament.

JUNE 1 • ROTOWIRE

Anthony Jung - Signs contract extension Jung has signed a contract extension with Freiburg after an impressive debut season at the club, the club announced.

Impact Jung joined from Werder Bremen ahead of the current campaign and made 15 appearances across the Bundesliga and Europa League, fulfilling the reliable and professional role the club had envisioned for him. Sporting director Jochen Saier praised Jung's professionalism and consistency throughout the season, highlighting his contribution beyond the pitch through his vast experience as an added value to the squad. Jung himself described it as a great privilege to be part of the group, citing the exceptional team environment at Freiburg as a key factor in his desire to extend his stay, with the veteran defender now heading into what will be his second season in the Breisgau having accumulated over 400 professional appearances across his career at clubs including Werder Bremen, Brondby, RB Leipzig and Ingolstadt.

MAY 28 • ROTOWIRE

Yuito Suzuki - Back training with Japan squad Suzuki (collarbone) has returned to training with the Japan national team squad on Friday, marking a significant step forward in his recovery from the right collarbone fracture he...

Impact Suzuki had been ruled out for the remainder of the Freiburg season following the injury, making his return to collective training with the national team a faster turnaround than initially anticipated. The attacking midfielder's participation in Japan's World Cup preparations is an encouraging development for coach Hajime Moriyasu, with the tournament opener drawing ever closer and Suzuki's creativity and technical quality making him a potentially important figure for the Samurai Blue this summer.

MAY 28 • ROTOWIRE

Rihito Yamamoto - Signs for Freiburg Yamamoto has joined Freiburg from Belgian first division side VV St. Truiden, becoming the second Japanese player at the club following the presence of Yuito Suzuki, according to t...

Impact Yamamoto made 98 competitive appearances for St. Truiden after joining in 2023, contributing five goals in the current Jupiler Pro League season in what sporting director Klemens Hartenbach described as a very strong developmental campaign. Hartenbach praised Yamamoto as a true midfield all-rounder capable of making an impact both with and without the ball, describing his versatility as his greatest strength while acknowledging there is still room for further refinement at the highest level. Yamamoto himself expressed his excitement at fulfilling his dream of playing in the Bundesliga, revealing he had spoken with Yuito Suzuki about Freiburg before making his decision and heard only positive things, with the midfielder eager to influence games and develop alongside his new teammates in what promises to be an exciting new chapter in his career.

MAY 27 • ROTOWIRE

Mio Backhaus - Transfers to Freiburg Backhaus has signed for Freiburg from Werder Bremen ahead of the 2026/27 campaign, his new club announced.

Impact Backhaus enjoyed a standout debut Bundesliga season with Bremen, making 32 appearances after breaking into the first team in August 2025 following a strong loan spell at FC Volendam in the Eredivisie where he was the first-choice goalkeeper across 33 appearances in 2023/24. Backhaus developed through the youth academies of Kawasaki Frontale in Japan before moving to Germany at 14 years old to join Alemannia Aachen and subsequently Bremen's academy, and has represented Germany at every youth level from U15 upward, currently serving as the Germany U21 international goalkeeper. Sporting director Jochen Saier praised his calm and concentrated approach, describing him as a goalkeeper who covers all facets of the position with significant development potential still ahead of him. Backhaus himself expressed excitement at joining Freiburg, describing the overall package of people, city, stadium and style of football as the driving factors behind his decision.

MAY 23 • ROTOWIRE

Jan-Niklas Beste - Whips in five crosses Beste had five crosses (one accurate) and one tackle in Wednesday's 3-0 defeat against Aston Villa.

Impact Beste had a decent match for the brutal outcome Freiburg faced Wednesday, as the attacker earned five crosses, the best on his team. However, he would go without a shot, a bit disappointing for one of their attackers. He ends the campaign in UEL play with only one goal, while adding three assists in 15 appearances (14 starts).

MAY 21 • ROTOWIRE

Nicolas Hofler - One shot Wednesday Hofler had one shot (zero on goal) in Wednesday's 3-0 loss versus Aston Villa.

Impact Hofler earned the start for the final Wednesday and played a total of 61 minutes, although it was not the best shift. He would record a single shot in the attack, but most of his work came defending, recording one clearance, two intercpetions and three tackles. It was a bit surprising for him to start, only starting in two of his six UEL appearances this season.

MAY 21 • ROTOWIRE

Igor Matanovic - Quiet in loss Matanovic registered one shot (zero on goal) and one chance created in Wednesday's 3-0 defeat against Aston Villa.

Impact Matanovic had a quiet night as Freiburg's trophy hopes ended, only recording a single shot from his forward role. To make things worse, his one shot wasn't even on net. He still earned three goals and one assist in 15 appearances (eight starts) this UEL campaign.

MAY 21 • ROTOWIRE

Noah Atubolu - Allows three goals in final Atubolu had three saves and allowed three goals in Wednesday's 3-0 loss against Aston Villa.

Impact Atubolu had a rough night as Freiburg fell in the UEL final, making three saves while also allowing three goals. This continues a rough stretch to end the season, as the goalie has not earned a clean sheet since April 12. His UEL campaign ends with 15 starts, earning five clean sheets, 13 goals allowed and 42 saves.

MAY 21 • ROTOWIRE

Maximilian Rosenfelder - Active off bench in Europa loss Rosenfelder (hamstring) took one shot (one on goal) in 29 minutes as a substitute during Wednesday's UEFA Europa League final loss to Aston Villa.

Impact Rosenfelder bounced back to the squad at the very end of the season after missing over three months due to his injury, and he took Philipp Lienhart's place in the second half of the European final. The 23-year-old saw his involvement largely limited by physical issued throughout the campaign, finishing with 35 clearances, 11 tackles and seven interceptions over 16 matches played (six starts) counting Bundesliga and UEL action.

MAY 20 • ROTOWIRE

Igor Matanovic - Scores, assists in win Matanovic scored one goal and assisted once from one shot and five chances created in Saturday's 4-1 victory against RB Leipzig.

Impact Matanovic scored Freiburg's second goal with a perfect header following a cross from Johan Manzambi, and he later added an assist when Derry Scherhant closed out the scoring in the second half. Matanovic finished the 2025/26 Bundesliga season with impressive numbers, as he notched 11 goals and two assists across 31 league outings but only 14 starts.

MAY 19 • ROTOWIRE

Jordy Makengo - Credited with assist in win Makengo assisted once to go with one cross (zero accurate) and one chance created in Saturday's 4-1 victory against RB Leipzig.

Impact Makengo recorded his lone assist of the season in 20 Bundesliga appearances (12 starts) when he simply tried to head the ball into the box -- and Matthias Ginter was there to tap the ball home after no one cleared it. Makengo is more known for his defensive prowess, though. He finished the 2025/26 Bundesliga campaign with 52 clearances, 33 crosses, 22 tackles, 10 blocked shots and 15 interceptions.

MAY 19 • ROTOWIRE

Matthias Ginter - Scores from close range in win Ginter scored one goal to go with two shots (one on goal) and one cross (one accurate) in Saturday's 4-1 win against RB Leipzig.

Impact Ginter was fortunate to find the back of the net to give Freiburg a 3-1 lead. He grabbed a loose ball following a header from Jordy Makengo and simply had to tap the ball home to beat Peter Gulacsi. Ginter is more known for his defensive contributions, though. He finished the 2025/26 Bundesliga season with three goals and four assists in 32 Bundesliga starts, a span in which he also notched 193 clearances -- an average of 6.03 per game.

MAY 19 • ROTOWIRE

Noah Atubolu - Beaten once in easy win Atubolu had five saves and allowed one goal in Saturday's 4-1 win over RB Leipzig.

Impact Atubolu was beaten with a long-range shot from Assan Ouedraogo, but that was the lone goal he conceded. The goalkeeper was the first-choice shot-stopper for Freiburg all season long, both in the Bundesliga and the UEFA Europa League. He closes out the league campaign with 57 goals allowed, 102 saves and six clean sheets while starting every match.

MAY 19 • ROTOWIRE

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