Hitzfeld nominates Switzerland’s 23 to leave for Brazil this summer

Topics: FIFA World Cup, World Cup 2014, World Cup Roster, Switzerland, Ottmar Hitzfeld, Xherdan Shaqiri, Stephan Lichtsteiner

Switzerland’s manager, Ottmar Hitzfeld, released the list of 23 players set to leave for Brazil next month. The German coach had also named 8 reserves, initially.

Amongst the players announced, none played in the English Premier League except for Pajtim Kasami, Fulham’s winger, who is on the reserves.

After an excellent season playing both as right-back and right-midfielder for Juventus, Stephan Lichtsteiner could not fail to make the prestigious list.

Midfielders Behrami, Inler and Dzemaili, all had a very solid year at Napoli, closing the campaign in third place. Valon Behrami was especially uncertain given his recent injury.

The biggest star player for the Swiss however, remains Bayern Munich’s winger, Xherdan Shaqiri. The right-midfielder, who would start for most clubs, failed to find much room in the Bavarian team due to his extraordinary competition represented by Arjen Robben.

Hitzfeld to retire after the 2014 World Cup in Brazil

Serie A players Inler, Lichtsteiner and Behrami training for Switzerland

Shaqiri will be expected to lead Switzerland during the Brazilian World Cup

Amongst notable absentees is definitely 25 year old Eren Derdiyok. The striker was included only as a reserve, despite his hat trick against Germany in a friendly back in 2012.

Surprised #Derdiyok makes only the Reserves in the Switzerland WC squad.he does have his moments..The Swiss have a very quality squad.
— Peter Wanyoike (@Pete_Wanyoike) May 13, 2014

I'm astonished that Switzerland has left Derdiyok out of their squad, placing their striking hopes on Drmic. In Hitzfeld we trust.
— Gabriel Medaglia (@ilmedaglia) May 13, 2014

No Swiss role for Derdiyok. Experienced striker most notable absentee as coach Hitzfeld names squad for Brazil. #TelegraphWCN
— Paul Knott (@paulknott11) May 13, 2014

Derdiyok's chances to board the plane to Brazil seem very slim

Hitzfeld opted for a younger team, with only one player, Steve von Bergen, over the age of 30. The two-time European Cup winner will retire after leading Switzerland through the 2014 World Cup.

Switzerland will face tough opponents like France in Brazil