Switzerland clear Xhaka and Embolo for November Nations League games

Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo are eligible to play for the Switzerland national team again in November. The Swiss Football Association (SFV) has lifted the suspensions of the two stars following the fake Covid-19 vaccination certificate scandal.

This means national team coach Murat Yakin can call upon the captain and the striker for the final two Nations League matches. Switzerland hosts Slovenia on November 13 and travels to Scotland three days later. A win in either game would virtually secure promotion to the Nations League top tier, as the Swiss top Group E with 12 points and a five-point lead over Slovenia. The team is in outstanding form, having won its last four competitive matches, most recently 3-0 against North Macedonia. This winning run also includes a 2-1 home victory over Slovenia on October 3 and a 3-0 away win in Scotland on September 29.

Pierluigi Tami, the SFV's sports director, explained the decision. "We are convinced that a return to the national team in November is responsible and the right thing to do," he said. The original bans were imposed in the autumn. Xhaka received a four-match Nations League suspension, while Embolo was removed from the squad in September. Both were also fined 150,000 Swiss francs, suspended for two years.

For coach Murat Yakin, the clearance provides more tactical options. "I am pleased once again to be able to make my selections without restrictions for the November games," the coach stated. Yakin will decide on whether Xhaka retains the captain's armband only when he announces the official squad on November 5. Xhaka, the record appearance holder with 152 caps, and Embolo, who has 26 goals in 92 internationals, are central figures in the team.

The perfect start to the season with four wins from four matches, including a 2-1 win over Slovenia and a 3-0 victory in Scotland, has created an ideal situation for the returning players. In the recent successes, players like Johan Manzambi, who scored in the 3-0 win over North Macedonia and leads the season's scoring chart with three goals, and Dan Ndoye, who provided an assist and scored in that match and also scored in the 2-1 win over Slovenia, have shone. The next fixture for the Swiss side is the home match against Slovenia on November 13. The current scoring chart is led by Johan Manzambi with three goals, while Dan Ndoye has shone with goals and assists in recent games. Switzerland travels to Ljubljana with great confidence and an intact winning streak to seal promotion.

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