Stiel sidelined for Swiss

Ligament damage
Stiel, who damaged a ligament in his left knee in training on Wednesday, follows midfield player Hakan Yakin, who recently underwent surgery on a groin injury, in missing the game. He is expected to be replaced in the Switzerland goal by Pascal Zuberbühler of FC Basel.

Experienced goalkeeper
The 35-year-old VfL Borussia Mönchengladbach keeper faces between four and six weeks on the sidelines, although the exact nature of his injury is unclear and it has not been decided whether he needs an operation or not.

Pole position
Switzerland currently lead qualifying Group 10 with 12 points from six matches, two above the Republic of Ireland and five ahead of Russia, although Georgi Yartsev's side have a game in hand. After the Russia match, Switzerland end their qualifying campaign on 11 October with a game against the Irish in Basel.