Switzerland’s hopes of progressing in the World Cup were dealt another blow after striker Marco Streller was ruled out of the finals with a thigh injury.

The Basle forward was seen as key to their plans having scored eleven goals in 32 internationals.

Coach Ottmar Hitzfeld had to persuade the 28-year-old to come out of international retirement after the player fell out with a section of Swiss supporters during a friendly match two years ago.

The news comes after defender Christoph Spycher had to pull out of the squad due to a knee injury. The problem prompted the Eintracht Frankfurt star to announce his retirement from the Swiss set up.