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Barnetta Fit For Czech Opener

Switzerland midfielder Tranquillo Barnetta will be fit for his side’s clash against the Czech Republic after recovering from his ankle injury.

The co-hosts play their opening Group A game against the Czech Republic on Saturday and need a positive result if they are to stand a realistic chance of progression to the quarter-finals.

And they will be boosted by the news that Barnetta, who sustained the knock a fortnight ago in a training ground tackle with team-mate Gelson Fernandes, will be fit to play.

The 23-year-old returned to full training yesterday and survived the session without any ill-effects, declaring afterwards that "everything went smoothly".

“I didn't have second thoughts when entering challenges," Barnetta stated to UEFA’s official website.

"I only thought about the injury afterwards. Just three days after the injury I was back in high-intensity training so I'm not far off full fitness."

It is yet to be decided whether the Bayer 04 Leverkusen man will return to his customary left-midfield position this weekend, or if his replacement Johan Vonlanthen will retain his place after impressing during the recent warm-up wins against Slovakia and Liechtenstein.

"I'm glad we have several possibilities,” Barnetta added. "That has not always been the case for every position."

Swiss assistant boss Michel Pont backed the midfielder however, saying: "Even though he is just 23, Barnetta already gives us a lot of international experience. He is very important for us."

Goal.com - Euro 2008 - Barnetta Fit For Czech Opener