Xhaka, Embolo can return to Swiss squad after fake Covid docs affair

Switzerland's captain Granit Xhaka and striker Breel Embolo are cleared to return to the national team for upcoming Nations League matches, the Swiss Football Association (SFV) announced on Tuesday. Both players had been sanctioned for using fraudulent Covid-19 certificates during the pandemic, leading to their exclusion from the first four games in September and October.

Xhaka, a Sunderland midfielder and Swiss record holder with 152 caps, and Embolo, an Atlanta United forward, were both found guilty of possessing forged vaccine certificates. The SFV has concluded that the players' return is justified, considering they have completed their legal proceedings and dealt with the sporting consequences of missing four international matches.

Switzerland's national team director, Pierluigi Tami, expressed confidence in the players' return, stating that it is a responsible and appropriate course of action. Xhaka retains his position as team captain, and the SFV will consider the pair for the November matches following a thorough examination of the cases. Switzerland is currently top of Group B1 in the Nations League, having secured four consecutive victories.

The SFV's decision comes as the national team prepares to face second-placed Slovenia on November 13 and host Scotland in St Gallen three days later. Coach Murat Yakin, supported by his staff and the players' council, will unveil the final squad for these matches on November 5. Yakin expressed satisfaction at being able to make unrestricted selections for the November squad.