March 29, 2024

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Gareth Bale to miss Spain friendly as Wales monitor Madrid superstar’s fitness

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Ryan Giggs says Gareth Bale is an extreme doubt for tomorrow’s friendly with Spain and is touch and go for the Ireland game.

The 29-year-old is currently suffering from muscle fatigue and hasn’t trained with the Wales squad, for their game with Spain tomorrow.

Bale who plays his club football in Spain was eager to play some of his current Madrid teammates but looks set to miss out on Wales’ glamour friendly.

Wales manager Ryan Giggs said: “He’s extremely doubtful for tomorrow. We’ll give him every chance for Tuesday, we’re just monitoring him every day.”

He’s 50/50 at the moment, we don’t want to take any risks. If he’s able to play then good, if not then so be it.”

Cardiff, Wales. 10th October, 2018. Wales manager Ryan Giggs faces the media at the Principality Stadium ahead of their upcoming international matches against Spain & Republic of Ireland. Lewis Mitchell/YCPD.

Gareth Bale usually plays up front for Wales, playing in a free role, which has seen experienced forward Sam Vokes, take a backseat role.

However, the emergence of Tyler Roberts and the club form of Tom Lawrence could create a selection headache for Giggs, in how his side lines up tomorrow, with Vokes possibly returning to the starting line-up.

Giggs added: “We have options, we’ve got Sam Vokes, Tyler Roberts and Tom Lawrence.

You could play two up top. We need those options, Gareth sometimes isn’t going to be there. That is something I was aware of when we took over. We need something different.”

Cardiff, Wales. 10th October, 2018. Wales train at the Principality Stadium ahead of their upcoming international matches against Spain & Republic of Ireland. Lewis Mitchell/YCPD.

George Thomas of Scunthorpe United, currently on loan from Leicester City, is also an attacking option for Giggs to consider.

Thomas has yet to score for his new club but may play a part tomorrow.

The 21-year-old is part of a group of young players, who have been given a senior squad opportunity by the Manchester United.

“That’s why I tried to push the younger players through and fast-track them. We need a Plan B. We’ve got players underneath even if they are available. I’m quite happy with the progress in that respect.”

(Featured Image: Matthew Lofthouse)

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