Wales likely to be without superstar Bale in Ireland, sweating on Ampadu and Mepham

Wales boss Ryan Giggs says they are likely to be without Gareth Bale in their UEFA Nations League fixture against Ireland on Tuesday. 

The 29-year-old sat out of Wales’ 4-1 defeat to Spain at the Principality Stadium, with a muscular fatigue injury.

Wales manager Ryan Giggs said: “We’ll make a decision in the next couple of days.”

Asked if Wales are likely to be without the Real Madrid man, Gareth Bale responded: ”Yeah, yeah it does.”

With four days to go until they take part in their penultimate UEFA Nations League fixture with Ireland on Tuesday, Ryan Giggs could be without three players who started in the 4-1 demolition at the Cardiff City Stadium, last month.

Brentford defender Chris Mepham was the other player left out of the matchday squad, after picking up an injury in training yesterday.

Ethan Ampadu was also brought off early in the second half, as he was replaced by Leicester City’s Andy King.

Giggs explained why Ampadu was substituted: “Ethan extended his knee a bit. We’ll assess it, we’ll see how it is.”

Chris Mepham got a knock yesterday in training. Gareth’s struggling for Tuesday. We’re trying to take care of the lads and get ready for Tuesday.”

Substitutes David Brooks, Matthew Smith and Tom Lawrence came on for Wales in the second half, adding to Wales’ attack in the second half.

The attacking trio earned praise from manager Ryan Giggs, who highlighted their performances as a positive from the heavy defeat.

“If there’s any positives to come out of tonight, Matthew Smith. We had a threat with Brooks, Smith and Lawrence.”

We brush ourselves down, take it out on the chin. Tonight we were disappointing. The good thing about football is you’ve always got the next game.

Wales now turn their attention to Ireland on Tuesday, as they look to bounce back from the heavy defeat, by returning to winning ways.

(Featured Image: Matthew Lofthouse)