Switzerland coach Koebi Kuhn has left former regular Hakan Yakin out of his World Cup squad.

The Young Boys Bern playmaker missed much of the season with a groin injury but seemed set for a recall after some strong recent club performances.

Uncapped Basle midfielder David Degen has been given the nod instead.

Arsenal defensive duo Johan Djourou, 19, and Philippe Senderos, 21, are the only British-based players in the 23-man squad.

"Yakin is a talented player, but we have a lot of other talented players to choose from," said Kuhn.

"I watched his last couple of games and could see how much he improved under the pressure, but I also have to think of the life of the team and I think there are some question marks over him in that regard.

"I spoke to him about my decision and I think he has accepted it, with a heavy heart of course."

Yakin has been placed on stand-by in the event of any late injuries.

Goalkeepers: Diego Benaglio (CD Nacional, Portugal), Fabio Coltorti (Grasshoppers Zurich), Pascal Zuberbuehler (FC Basle)

Defenders: Valon Behrami (Lazio, Italy), Philipp Degen (Borussia Dortmund, Germany), Johan Djourou (Arsenal, England), Stephane Grichting (Auxerre, France), Ludovic Magnin (VfB Stuttgart, Germany), Patrick Mueller (Olympique Lyon, France), Philippe Senderos (Arsenal, England), Christoph Spycher (Eintracht Frankfurt, Germany)

Midfielders: Tranquillo Barnetta (Bayer Leverkusen, Germany), Ricardo Cabanas (Cologne, Germany), David Degen (FC Basle), Blerim Dzemaili (FC Zurich), Daniel Gygax (Lille, France), Xavier Margairaz (FC Zurich), Johann Vogel (AC Milan, Italy), Raphael Wicky (Hamburg SV, Germany)

Forwards: Alex Frei (Rennes, France), Mauro Lustrinelli (Sparta Prague, Czech Republic), Marco Streller (Cologne, Germany), Johan Vonlanthen (NAC Breda, Holland)