Switzerland have been boosted by the sight of skipper Alexander Frei running as he attempts to shake off an ankle injury.

The 30-year-old Basle striker sprained his ankle while training in Switzerland just before the squad's departure for South Africa, and has been a frustrated bystander since their arrival. However, he is undergoing intensive treatment and has now been able to do some light jogging and cycling.

Whether or not Frei is able to make Wednesday's Group H opener against Spain in Durban remains to be seen, but team doctor Cuno Wetzel is optimistic, and told www.blick.ch: "Alex is doing well. The swelling has decreased."