In an attempt to prove his fitness prior to the Euro 2008 Championships this summer, Switzerland international defender Patrick Muller decided to leave the Lyon squad ahead of their French Cup against Paris SG at the weekend.

For several weeks, Muller has been at the center of a club versus country row as Swiss coach Kobi Kuhn tried to get him released prior to the cup final so he could prove his fitness to the national coach before he announces his final squad of 23. Kuhn had previously stated that unless he had time to assess Muller’s fitness then he would have to rule him out of Euro 2008.

Muller has missed much of this season with a serious cruciate knee ligament injury and was only expected to be on the bench in Lyon’s final game of the season. Kuhn argued that it would be beneficial for the player to get match fitness in Switzerland’s friendly against Slovakia rather than sit on the bench. He was prepared to invoke FIFA’s regulations regarding international call ups that stipulate that a player must be released by their club 14 days before the start of any international tournaments.

Since Friday, Lyon have not made a comment on Muller’s actions and despite his absence, won the French Cup narrowly defeating Paris SG 1-0. No sanctions are expected against Muller as Lyon had already announced prior to the weekend that his contract would not be renewed this summer.

Muller participated in the Swiss friendly versus Slovakia on Saturday.  He played for 76 minutes and appears to have done enough to demonstrate his return to fitness. Goals from Valon Behrami and Alex Frei helped to secure a comfortable 2-0 victory for the home team. It was there first win in four matches.

Kuhn is expected to announce his final 23-man squad in the next few days.