Swiss duo Frei and Behrami to miss Spain clash

(GSM) – Switzerland coach Ottmar Hitzfeld has confirmed that skipper Alex Frei and midfielder Valon Behrami will miss the opening clash with Spain on Wednesday in Durban.

The Swiss boss announced that he would be without striker Frei and West Ham United midfielder Behrami against Spain match duo to injuries.

The 30-year-old Frei is the country’s all-time leading scorer with 40 international goals. The Basel striker is sidelined with an ankle injury while Behrami strained a left thigh muscle during the Italy clash on June 5.

Hitzfeld said: “They will not play on Wednesday.

“The aim is that they come back for the second match against Chile.”

The German tactician dismissed rumours that Frei’s World Cup dream is over as he picked up an injury, he added: “I’m really counting on him (Frei) for Monday (the next game),” Hitzfeld said regarding the striker.

Hitzfeld also backed Hammers winger Behrami over injury, he said: “I didn’t call on Valon Behrami so that he could carry on having treatment up to the Chile match.”

Switzerland have been drawn in Group H for the South Africa tournament and face Chile and Honduras as well as Spain.