Yakin juggles Embolo's absence, Xhaka scandal and grass blades in Skopje

In the warm light of the Tose‑Proeski Stadium in Skopje, national coach Murat Yakin looks at the pitch, lifts seven‑centimetre‑long grass blades, and reminds the media representatives that “by the way we have a match tomorrow”. The press conference immediately turns to three burning topics: the case of Breel Embolo, the grass blades brought by Yakin, and the fate of Ardon Jashari.

Embolos Ban after Conviction

The Swiss association has decided that Breel Embolo will miss the national team, after it became public on Friday that the Basel player was convicted of incitement to document forgery. Adrian Arnold explained that the association only learned of the conviction on Wednesday, when Embolo informed the officials. The media spokesperson of the Swiss Football Association (SFV) emphasized that they had wished to learn of it earlier, but did not call it a breach of trust.

Yakin emphasized that the exclusion measure applies only to the current squad and that he himself did not make the decision to remove the striker from the roster. For the two Nations League matches in November he wants to use Embolo again: “I still count on him,” Yakin said.

Xhaka Scandal and Jashari Chance

In the shadow of the absence of Embolo new information emerged about the “Xhaka case”: The former Arsenal player entered the United States in July 2022 with a forged Covid vaccination certificate, even though the vaccination mandate was only lifted in May 2023. Yakin explained that he had been involved in the discussions, but was not responsible for the decision.

With the absence of Xhaka Ardon Jashari comes into focus. The 24‑year‑old midfielder, who has already participated in the major tournaments World Cup 2022, World Cup 2026 and Euro 2024, has eleven caps, only three of which were in the starting eleven. Yakin said: “Now it is up to Ardon.” Jashari, who plays in the country of his parents, emphasized that he feels no pressure and simply wants to carry out his game.

Yakin added that the team is well stocked in attack with Winsley Boteli, Cedric Itten and Zeki Amdouni. He pointed out that the match in North Macedonia against Switzerland on Saturday will be broadcast live on SRF 2 and in the sport app.

Finally Yakin expressed his concern about the pitch: “The field worries me, seven‑centimetre‑long blades are unplayable.” He hopes that the grass will be cut, so that his team can maintain the tempo from the start despite the away conditions.