Granit Xhaka reinstated as Switzerland captain after suspension

Granit Xhaka has been reinstated as Switzerland captain after a four-match suspension for using a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate, with Breel Embolo also cleared to return.

Granit Xhaka has been reinstated as captain of the Switzerland national team. The veteran leader was restored to the role on Tuesday after serving a four-match suspension for using a fake COVID-19 vaccination certificate.

Breel Embolo, implicated in a similar case, is also cleared to return for the upcoming Nations League matches against Slovenia and Scotland. Manager Murat Yakin said he was pleased to be able to make his selections without restrictions. "I am pleased once again to be able to make my selections without restrictions for the November games," the national team coach said.

Xhaka admitted this month that he obtained a fake vaccine document in 2022. He received a two-year probationary sentence and had to pay a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs. Embolo was sentenced under the same conditions. The team's staff and players were unanimous in wanting Xhaka to continue as captain. The final decision rested with Yakin, who will announce his squad on 5 November.

The return of the two experienced players comes at an opportune moment. Switzerland tops its Nations League group, five points ahead of Slovenia, and is seeking promotion back to the top tier. The team is in strong form with four wins in its last four matches. The most recent meeting with Slovenia ended in a 2-1 home win for the Swiss on 3 October, with Dan Ndoye scoring the decisive goal. Prior to that, they won 3-0 away to Scotland and 3-0 away to FYR Macedonia.

The next fixture is the return match away to Slovenia on Saturday 13 November. A victory there would further solidify their promotion hopes. The squad can build on a positive season record, having most recently beaten FYR Macedonia 3-0 with goals from Fabian Rieder, Johan Manzambi, and Dan Ndoye. Johan Manzambi is the current top scorer this season with three goals in four appearances. Xhaka could add to his national-team record of 152 caps in the upcoming games.