Granit Xhaka: Switzerland captain and striker Breel Embolo permitted to return to national team

Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo will both be allowed to play for Switzerland again next month following an investigation into forged Covid-19 vaccination certificates obtained by the pair.

Switzerland captain Xhaka missed Nations League matches against Scotland, North Macedonia and Slovenia during the October international break after admitting to acquiring a fake certificate which allowed him to travel and compete in 2022.

Striker Embolo, 29, was also dropped from the Switzerland squad in September for the same reason.

The Swiss Football Association (SFV) confirmed on Tuesday that 34-year-old Sunderland midfielder Xhaka and Embolo will both be available for inclusion by manager Murat Yakin for November's fixtures against Slovenia and Scotland.

National team director Pierluigi Tami said: "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.

"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 (£136,000) , suspended for two years provided no further offences are committed.

Xhaka, who took responsibility for his actions, has not been stripped of the captaincy.

However, the SFV said in its statement that the final decision over the captaincy remains with the team's coach, Yakin, who will announce his squad on 5 November.

Switzerland are top of Group E heading into their final two Nations League fixtures against Slovenia and Scotland on 13 and 16 November.