Xhaka and Embolo Set to Return for Switzerland After COVID Issue

Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka and striker Breel Embolo can join the national team next month. This comes after an investigation into their use of fake COVID-19 vaccination certificates.

The Swiss Football Association announced on Tuesday that both players might be part of manager Murat Yakin’s squad for the Nations League matches against Slovenia and Scotland in November.

Xhaka, 34, missed Switzerland’s matches in October against Scotland, North Macedonia, and Slovenia. He admitted to getting a fake certificate to travel and play in 2022.

Embolo, 29, was also left out of the national team in September because of the same issue.

Switzerland’s national team director Pierluigi Tami said the decision took into account the details of both cases, the end of legal actions, and the sporting penalties already faced by the players.

"We considered this from various perspectives. The specific circumstances of both cases, the concluded legal proceedings, and the sporting consequences already implemented all factored into the decision," Tami said.

He continued, "We are convinced that a return to the national team in November is responsible and the right thing to do."

Both Xhaka and Embolo were fined 150,000 Swiss francs, which is about £136,000. The fines will be suspended for two years if they do not commit any more offences.

Xhaka, who plays for Sunderland and holds the record for most appearances for Switzerland with 152 caps, still holds the captaincy.

However, the final decision on the captaincy will be made by Yakin, who plans to announce his squad on November 5.

Switzerland is currently leading Group E ahead of their last two Nations League matches against Slovenia on November 13 and Scotland on November 16.