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Fit-again Frei back in Swiss fold
by Steffen Potter
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Alexander Frei (Switzerland) (¿Getty Images)
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Almost a year after his last international appearance, Switzerland
striker Alexander Frei is back in the squad for next week's friendly against
Germany.
Hip surgery
The 28-year-old BV Borussia Dortmund forward last played for his country
on 25 March 2007 in a 3-1 defeat by Colombia in Miami and subsequently
underwent hip surgery last summer. However, the same hip injury, which
was expected to keep him out for a few weeks, proved rather less straightforward
and torn muscle fibres as a result of complications delayed his comeback.
He finally returned to the Dortmund lineup for the 3-3 Bundesliga draw
at MSV Duisburg on 2 February and has since made another five appearances,
providing four assists - though he is yet to score himself.
Friendly programme
Frei, whose 56 national-team outings have brought 32 goals, rejoins the
squad for the Germany friendly in Basel on 26 March. The UEFA EURO 2008T
co-hosts will also play Slovakia on 24 May in Lugano, before completing
their preparations with a friendly against Liechtenstein in St Gallen
on 30 May. They will open the finals tournament on 7 June against the
Czech Republic in Basel before further Group A fixtures against Turkey
and Portugal.
Switzerland squad
Goalkeepers: Diego Benaglio (VfL Wolfsburg), Fabio Coltorti (Real Racing
Club Santander), Pascal Zuberbuhler (Neuchatel Xamax FC).
Defenders: Valon Behrami (S.S. Lazio), Mario Eggimann (Karlsruher SC),
Stephan Lichtsteiner (LOSC Lille Metropole), Ludovic Magnin (VfB Stuttgart),
Philippe Senderos (Arsenal FC), Christoph Spycher (Eintracht Frankfurt),
Steve von Bergen (Hertha BSC Berlin).
Midfielders: Tranquillo Barnetta (Bayer 04 Leverkusen), Gelson Fernandes
(Manchester City FC), Daniel Gygax (FC Metz), Benjamin Huggel (FC Basel
1893), Gokhan Inler (Udinese Calcio), Hakan Yakin (BSC Young Boys), Reto
Ziegler (UC Sampdoria).
Forwards: Eren Derdiyok (FC Basel 1893), Alexander Frei (BV Borussia Dortmund),
Blaise Nkufo (FC Twente), Johan Vonlanthen (FC Salzburg).
Euro2008.uefa.com,
18 March 2008
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