UEFA.com works better on other browsers
For the best possible experience, we recommend using Chrome, Firefox or Microsoft Edge.

Swiss lose Benaglio to back problem

Thursday, March 17, 2011

Goalkeeper Diego Benaglio has ruled himself out of Switzerland's upcoming UEFA EURO 2012 qualifier against Bulgaria with a back problem, explaining: "I cannot help the team in this state."

Diego Benaglio will not feature in Switzerland's crucial qualifier in Sofia
Diego Benaglio will not feature in Switzerland's crucial qualifier in Sofia ©Getty Images

Goalkeeper Diego Benaglio will miss Switzerland's UEFA EURO 2012 Group G qualifier in Bulgaria due to a persistent back problem.

The 27-year-old VfL Wolfsburg player has been suffering from swelling in his lower back for several weeks, and though he featured in two recent Bundesliga games, he has told national-team coach Ottmar Hitzfeld he has no chance of featuring in Sofia on 26 March. "Unfortunately my injury has got worse," Benaglio, capped 34 times, explained. "I cannot help the team in this state."

With only three points from their opening three qualifiers, Switzerland already face an uphill task to qualify for the finals in Poland and Ukraine.

© 1998-2024 UEFA. All rights reserved. Last updated: Thursday, March 17, 2011

Selected for you

Hitzfeld makes Switzerland commitment
Live 04/03/2011

Hitzfeld makes Switzerland commitment

Ottmar Hitzfeld has agreed to stay on as Switzerland coach until the 2014 FIFA World Cup finals, ending speculation about the former FC Bayern München boss's future.
UEFA awarded 13 berths at 2014 World Cup
Live 03/03/2011

UEFA awarded 13 berths at 2014 World Cup

There will be 13 European teams at the 2014 finals in Brazil just as in last year's edition, football's global governing body announced, while awarding Turkey the 2013 FIFA U-20 World Cup.
EURO 2012 tickets set to go on sale
Live 25/02/2011

EURO 2012 tickets set to go on sale

UEFA EURO 2012 preparations reach another milestone this afternoon when ceremonies in Kyiv and Warsaw mark the start of ticket sales, available exclusively via UEFA.com until 31 March.