REVEALED: Arsenal star Granit Xhaka has TURNED DOWN his Covid vaccine, the Swiss FA confirm, after midfielder tested positive and must now isolate - as new research shows a THIRD of footballers have no plans to get jabbed Granit Xhaka tested positive for Covid-19 and missed Switzerland's last match The Arsenal midfielder has chosen not to be vaccinated against the virus Xhaka, 28, is the only member of Switzerland's to choose against vaccination By Nathan Salt For Mailonline Published: 09:35 BST, 2 September 2021 | Updated: 09:47 BST, 2 September 2021 Viewcomments Granit Xhaka has rejected the chance to take a vaccination against Covid-19, the Swiss Football Association confirmed after the midfielder tested positive. The Arsenal midfielder, who signed a new three-year deal to stay at the Premier League club last month, is captain of his national side and was left out of the contest against Greece on Wednesday while he isolates. Xhaka initially tested negative before a follow-up PCR came back positive and it raised questions as to whether the 28-year-old had yet elected to be vaccinated. Swiss FA's head of communications Adrian Arnold, as per Swiss outlet Blick, confirmed the player had rejected vaccination. Granit Xhaka has chosen not to be vaccinated against Covid-19, the Swiss FA have confirmed Xhaka (left), alongside wife Leonita Lekaj (right), 'decided for himself' not to receive a vaccine 'Granit Xhaka was not vaccinated,' Arnold said. '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.' Arnold added: '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.' Vaccines are viewed as a way to reduce the likelihood of contraction as well as reducing the number of hospital admissions among those who do test positive. Research has shown that various Covid vaccines reduce an individual's risk of catching or spreading Covid-19 as well as variants. But there are many footballers, like Xhaka, who have so far yet to take up the opportunity to be vaccinated. The Telegraph report that new research conducted across the English Football League (EFL) has shown that a third of players have no plans to get vaccinated. More to follow. Share or comment on this article: All rights reserved for this news site (dailymail) and under his responsibility