Sunderland midfielder Granit Xhaka has been given permission to return to the Switzerland squad following his COVID certificate scandal.

Blick report that the Swiss Football Association have decided that the Sunderland midfielder, and striker Breel Embolo, will be available to Murat Yakin during the next international break.

Xhaka’ status for those fixtures, against Slovenia and Scotland, next month was in doubt after he missed their games in the last international break. That came after drama around fake COVID-19 documents.

Covid drama

Sport Witness reported last month how the Sunderland star was being investigated in his homeland for the alleged use of forged documents.

Two days after those reports, the Sunderland midfielder came clean. He admitted to the allegations in a post on Instagram.

“In recent days, there has been much reporting about a matter from my past,” he said.

“I would like to address this personally. Regarding the Covid-19 vaccination, I was personally very uncertain and had serious concerns at the time. I felt a deep distrust of the vaccine and was plagued by fear and uncertainty.

“In this turbulent emotional state, I obtained a vaccination certificate instead of clarifying my open questions through the proper channels. Today I clearly see that this was the wrong approach. It was a mistake. I am sorry. I take responsibility for this decision, am committed to investigating the matter, and am fully cooperating with the relevant authorities.”

Then came even more drama as the doctor caught up in the middle of the scandal – who remained nameless – insisted that everything was above board.

Swiss FA defend choice

Xhaka then learned his punishment at the beginning of this month. He was handed a suspended fine of 150,000 Swiss francs for the incident. Whether Switzerland would continue to call him up, though, was in doubt.

Blick now report that the Swiss FA have decided that the midfielder will be available to Murat Yakin. They confirmed as much in a statement.

“The SFA has conducted an in-depth analysis of both cases and has concluded that the players’ return is justifiable, following the conclusion of legal proceedings and taking into account the sporting consequences already endured—namely, missing four international matches in September and October,” it read.

They also confirmed that Xhaka will remain as Switzerland captain. That decision was “”made unanimously by the head coach and the technical staff, in consultation with the players’ council.”