Scotland’s rivals reinstate under-fire duo after fake Covid certificate bans

Switzerland manager Murat Yakin has recalled captain Granit Xhaka and striker Breel Embolo to his squad ahead of upcoming Nations League matches against Scotland and Slovenia. Both players had been omitted from the previous four fixtures following an investigation into obtaining fake Covid certificates. Yakin stated there was never any doubt about restoring Xhaka as team leader after stand-in captain Manuel Akanji supported his return.

The pair received suspended financial penalties, with Xhaka given a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs alongside two years of probation. Group leaders Switzerland will host Scotland in St Gallen after Steve Clarke's side plays North Macedonia, requiring just a single point in Maribor to secure top spot in their Nations League group.