Granit Xhaka, Arsenal FC midfielder has tested positive for coronavirus.
Xhaka who received the result while on international duty with Switzerland have initially refused to get the Covid-19 Vaccine and he will be missing his country’s upcoming World Cup qualifiers after going into isolation.
The news was confirmed by the Swiss FA on Wednesday ahead of Wednesday night’s game against Greece.
According to reports, Xhaka is the only member of the Switzerland team to not have been either vaccinated or having recovered from Covid-19 after he ‘decided for himself personally’ not to get it.
A statement from the Swiss FA read: “Xhaka was diagnosed with symptoms on the morning of the game and was immediately isolated in his room.
“A quick test turned out negative, the subsequent PCR test, carried out to be on the safe side, produced a positive result in the evening.”
Also, confirming the news, Swiss football chief Adrian Arnold said: “Granit Xhaka was not vaccinated. He’s a player who isn’t vaccinated.
“We left this up to each player, it’s a personal decision of each player – just like any other person in Switzerland. We have issued a recommendation that everyone vaccinate.
“But he decided for himself personally. And it is also his right not to be vaccinated.”
“All the other players in the team have been vaccinated or have recovered [from Covid] – so they are more or less safe, at least from a medical point of view.
“One is never quite sure. Accordingly, we have a very high vaccination rate. Now, unfortunately, Granit got caught.
“From a sporting point of view, it is a shame for us at this important moment.”
Meanwhile, the playmaker is already suspended for Arsenal’s next game against Norwich after being sent off in the 5-0 defeat at Man City, Xhaka has until September 18 to be ready for the Gunners when they travel to Burnley.
