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Frei could lead out Swiss

Image: Frei: Could face Spain

Switzerland captain Alexander Frei could be fit to make the starting line-up against Spain on Wednesday.

Skipper back in light training

Switzerland captain Alexander Frei could be fit to make the starting line-up for their World Cup opener against Spain on Wednesday. The 30-year-old had been a doubt for the game after sustaining an ankle injury during training prior to his squad leaving for South Africa and has had to sit out subsequent sessions since. News that the Basle striker has been undergoing intensive treatment will have boosted spirits in the Swiss camp, with Frei now able to do some light jogging and cycling. Frei suffered injury heartache at the European Championships in 2008 for the host nation after tearing ligaments in their opening game against the Czech Republic and missed the rest of the tournament. Manager Ottmar Hitzfeld will be desperate to field his main forward, whose impressive record of 40 goals in 73 appearances demonstrates his status at the team's main attacking threat. It remains to be seen if Frei will lead out his side in the Group H opener against the Spanish, but team doctor Cuno Wetzel is optimistic over his chances. "Alex is doing well. The swelling has decreased," Wetzel told blick.ch. "The ankle is very blue, of course, that's normal for a bruise. Everything runs as expected."

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