Switzerland head coach Murat Yakin has defended his decision to select Granit Xhaka and Breel Embolo for their upcoming Nations League encounter with Scotland. The Swiss boss confirmed he had no hesitation about reintegrating his national team captain and key striker into the squad, despite both players previously being the subject of an investigation regarding the acquisition of fake Covid certificates.
In domestic news, Heart of Midlothian could hand Landry Kabore a fresh opportunity in Sunday's match against Falkirk. Manager Wouter Vrancken had previously urged Kabore and fellow attacker Amadou Ba-Sy to demonstrate greater urgency and desire to earn minutes in the Hearts side, with Kabore responding through an energetic showing against Thun on Thursday. Concurrently, Hearts winger Sabah Kerjota is determined to feature against Falkirk on Sunday, aiming to push through despite sustaining an arm injury during Thursday's Conference League clash with Thun.
Elsewhere in the top flight, St Johnstone defender Bozo Mikulic was labeled the "unluckiest footballer in the world" by his head coach. Having just battled back from ACL, hamstring, and calf issues, Mikulic was forced off after only 14 minutes against Dundee following an aerial duel that left him with a broken nose and concussion. The McDiarmid Park match also saw Hollywood actor Ewan McGregor return to watch St Johnstone, nearly three decades after previously being asked to leave the ground for not wearing a tie. Following their loss in that fixture, Dundee head coach Steven Pressley conceded he may rethink his approach away from home ahead of Tuesday's bounce game against Livingston at Almondvale.
Disciplinary issues have also surfaced in the Scottish Championship, where Raith Rovers face potential disciplinary action over a social media post directed at Dunfermline Athletic manager Neil Lennon following Friday's goalless Fife derby. Meanwhile, Sir Alex Ferguson has reflected on the terrifying moment his life was saved following a brain haemorrhage, stating he would not be here today without the care provided by NHS staff.
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