Yakin misses out on Swiss vote

BSC Young Boys playmaker Hakan Yakin is a surprise omission from Jakob 'Köbi' Kuhn's 23-man Switzerland squad for this summer's FIFA World Cup finals in Germany.

Preferred option
The 29-year-old missed much of the season with a groin injury but had been expected to feature in Kuhn's plans following some strong recent displays for Young Boys in the Swiss Super League. Uncapped FC Basel 1893 midfielder David Degen, 23, impressive in his club's run to the UEFA Cup quarter-finals, was selected ahead of Yakin.

Missed matches
Kuhn explained his decision, saying: "For medical reasons, he wasn't able to play in the last five games. He has a slightly particular mentality and, for me, it's important that we have a good atmosphere in the camp."

Talented tyros
There were also call-ups for two young players who made their debuts in the 3-1 victory against Scotland in March. Arsenal FC's 19-year-old defender Johan Djourou is picked alongside 20-year-old FC Zürich midfielder Blerim Dzemaili. Switzerland face France, Togo and the Korean Republic in the tournament which begins on 9 June.

Switzerland squad
Goalkeepers: Pascal Zuberbühler (FC Basel 1893), Fabio Coltorti (Grasshopper-Club), Diego Benaglio (CD Nacional).

Defenders: Johan Djourou (Arsenal FC), Ludovic Magnin (VfB Stuttgart), Philippe Senderos (Arsenal FC), Stéphane Grichting (AJ Auxerre), Christoph Spycher (Eintracht Frankfurt), Valon Behrami (S.S. Lazio), Patrick Müller (Olympique Lyonnais), Philipp Degen (BV Borussia Dortmund).

Midfielders: Xavier Margairaz (FC Zürich), Johann Vogel (AC Milan), Ricardo Cabanas (1. FC Köln), Raphael Wicky (Hamburger SV), Daniel Gygax (LOSC Lille Métropole), David Degen (FC Basel 1893), Blerim Dzemaili (FC Zürich), Tranquillo Barnetta (Bayer 04 Leverkusen).

Forwards: Alex Frei (Stade Rennais FC), Marco Streller (1. FC Köln), Mauro Lustrinelli (AC Sparta Praha), Johan Vonlanthen (NAC Breda).