Granit Xhaka was injured playing for Sunderland against Chelsea
Swiss legend Granit Xhaka has been forced to withdraw from his national squad for their final Nations League Group B1 games against Slovenia and Scotland after picking up a calf injury in Sunderland's 1-0 win over Chelsea on Sunday.
The 34-year-old, who has 152 caps, had missed the first four games, including Switzerland's 3-0 win over Scotland at Hampden, amid investigation into claims that he forged a Covid certificate.
Atlanta United striker Breel Embolo had also pulled out of the previous squad for similar reaons but had also been recalled along with Miro Muheim, Ruben Vargas and Monaco midfielder Denis Zakaria.
But Hamburg defender Muheim has also now pulled out with muscular issues, while Sevilla winger Vargas was unable to travel to his homeland on Monday as planned because of illness, although the 28-year-old is expected to joins the squad once recovered.
Former Leeds United left-back Isaac Schmidt, now of Young Boys, has been called up as a replacement along with Leuven centre-back Roggerio Nyakossi, for whom it is a first call-up.
Zurich goalkeeper Silas Huber had received his first call-up in the original squad along with 25-year-old Amedspor winger Samuel Ballet, but the 21-year-old suffered concussion after being struck in the face with a ball.
As the Swiss already had three other goalkeepers in their squad, head coach Marat Yakin has not called in a replacement.
The Swiss lead Group B1 heading into Friday's game in Maribor before concluding their games and likely promotion to League A against Scotland in St Gallen on Monday.
