EURO 2008 INFO

Switzerland have been handed a major blow in the aftermath of their 1-0 defeat to the Czech Republic with news that influential captain Alexander Frei will miss the remainder of Euro 2008.

A collision between Switzerland’s record goalscorer and Czech defender Zdenek Grygera saw the former limp off the field in tears, recognising that his short-lived campaign may be over.

An MRI scan confirmed Switzerland manager Kobi Kuhn’s worst fears as the results revealed that the player, who has fired thirty-five goals in fifty-five international appearances, tore interior ligaments in his left knee which will rule him out for up to seven weeks.

Frei’s absence was felt after the break as Switzerland struggled to mount any meaningful attacks in the absence of their skipper who himself had two first half-chances to break the deadlock.

Events took a turn for the worse as Vaclav Sverkos slotted in a volley from twelve yards for what proved to be the winner, and the Swiss must now reflect on a losing start to their home campaign.

Frei’s teammate, Arsenal youngster Johan Djourou, said: “We will take a lot of confidence from the way we played against the Czechs, especially in the first half, but if we lose Alex it will be very difficult to get back into the tournament."

Kuhn added : “The injury is a shock, no doubt about it. To lose our captain is a disaster."Switzerland will try to make amends for the defeat in their next Group A game against Turkey on Wednesday.