Switzerland midfielder Xhaka doubtful for World Cup

Arsenal midfielder Granit Xhaka has emerged as a doubt for Switzerland's World Cup campaign after picking up an injury in training, the Swiss FA confirmed Thursday.

The 25-year-old had to withdraw from a rainy training session after injuring his knee while contesting for the ball. He was treated by the Swiss physio at the team hotel and will be sent for an MRI scan, reports Sky Sports.

Switzerland is due to play Spain in a friendly this weekend, and it now seems highly unlikely Xhaka will be able to play any part in the warm-up game.

A Swiss FA source said "it is too early to say" whether Xhaka will miss the World Cup.

Xhaka, who featured in every league game this season for the Gunners, was one of the most experienced players named to Vladimir Petkovic's 26-man preliminary squad, having won 61 caps to date.

His absence would leave a hole in central midfield and undeniably be a big blow to the nation's hopes of progressing from a group also containing Brazil, Serbia, and Costa Rica.