Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo will both be available for Switzerland again next month, after an investigation into forged Covid-19 vaccination certificates that the pair obtained.
Switzerland captain Xhaka, the nation’s record appearance holder with 152 caps, missed Nations League matches against Scotland, North Macedonia and Slovenia during the October international break. He had admitted to acquiring a fake certificate that 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 Xhaka, 34, who plays for Sunderland, and Embolo will both be available for selection by manager Murat Yakin for the November 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.”
Penalties and captaincy
Both Xhaka and Embolo were fined 150,000 Swiss francs (£136,000) and suspended for two years, provided they commit no further offences.
Xhaka, who has taken responsibility for his actions, has not been stripped of the captaincy. However, the SFV stated that the final decision on the captaincy rests with Yakin, who will announce his squad on 5 November.
Group E outlook
Switzerland top Group E ahead of their final two Nations League fixtures, against Slovenia on 13 November and Scotland on 16 November.