Switzerland striker Alexander Frei is to undergo groin surgery early next week, and hopes that he will be able to return to full fitness in time for the beginning of the World Cup Finals in June.

Frei, 26, is due to have the operation on Monday in a Swiss hospital, and said in a news conference: “Doctors say that I'll be out for up to 12 weeks but things are never the way they say.

“We will wait and see how things are after the surgery. But what is certain is that I’ll try to come back as soon as possible.

“I hope this won’t prevent me from taking part in the World Cup. I have tried to make the best choice for my health and for my career,” said the Stade Rennes striker.

Alexander Frei was a key player in Switzerland's qualification for the 2006 World Cup in Germany with the Swiss finishing second to France in Group 4 of the European qualifiers, and securing their berth in the World Cup in Germany thanks to a victory over Turkey in the play-offs in November.

Switzerland were drawn in Group G in the World Cup Finals, and face France, Korea Republic and World Cup debutantes Togo.

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