Soccer: Playmaker Iniesta trains alone

Injured Spain midfielder Andres Iniesta remained in doubt for his side's opening World Cup match on Thursday morning (NZT) after training alone yesterday.

Iniesta ran individual drills with one of the team's physiotherapists at the North West University sports complex, where the team is based. The Barcelona playmaker hurt his right thigh muscle during Tuesday's 6-0 win over Poland in pre-tournament friendly.

Spain opens Group H against Switzerland before facing Honduras and Chile.

Coach Vicente del Bosque put the rest of his 23-man squad through an up-tempo session following its overnight flight. Fernando Torres took part with his right knee heavily bandaged.

Midfielder Cecs Fabregas also trained normally as he also continues his recovery from a fractured right leg.

However, if Iniesta, an important midfield director for Spain is in doubt, the Swiss have arguably an even bigger defection - their captain and striker Alex Frei. The Swiss coaching staff are hoping he can recuperate in time.

"I live in the belief that he will take part. He perhaps will not be ready for the first match but I will be able to call upon him after that, I hope," said Swiss coach Ottmar Hitzfeld.

Frei, Switzerland's record goalscorer, suffered the injury in a training session when attempting to make a tackle.

He remained on the ground before being taken to hospital. A positive of the injury is the fact that it does not appear to be ligament damage.

Frei is no stranger to the casualty list. In February, the 30-year-old suffered a broken arm and was out for 10 weeks. He also suffered a knee injury during the 2008 European championship.