Scotland given major boost as key midfielder extends 120-day exile ahead of Nations League fixture

Switzerland captain Granit Xhaka has withdrawn from upcoming Nations League fixtures against Slovenia and Scotland due to a calf injury. The 34-year-old midfielder was injured just three minutes into Sunderland's 1-0 Premier League win over Chelsea on Sunday. The Swiss FA subsequently confirmed he will not be available for the upcoming international camp.

Xhaka's withdrawal extends his international absence to 120 days. He had previously missed four Nations League matches during an investigation into a forged vaccination certificate, for which he received a suspended fine. Switzerland manager Murat Yakin had reinstated Xhaka for this window, but the injury rules him out.