Ryan Giggs has spoken about a number of players involved in the Wales squad he named today.
Aaron Ramsey, Ben Davies and Paul Dummett miss out but there are places for Ethan Ampadu and Dylan Levitt.
Wales take on Croatia and Hungary in Budapest and Osijek in June as they look to build on their victory against Slovakia in March.
So what’s the state of play with some members of the squad?
Embed from Getty ImagesTottenham Hotspur defender Ben Davies is one of the noticeable absentees in the squad.
Davies who will be able to play for the London club in the Champions League on Saturday, is set to sit out the double header.
Giggs explained the decision in why the 26-year-old won’t be involved against Croatia and Hungary.
“I left him out of the squad in November to give him a bit of a rest. It was more of a fatigue element. Tottenham have done so well this season. He can play he can get away with it, it’s more about him getting it right. He’s got a huge game this weekend.
It’s important for me and it’s important for Tottenham. We talked and he’s not quite happy with it, he wants to get it sorted.”
Embed from Getty ImagesA further absentee from the squad is Newcastle United defender Paul Dummett.
Dummett was included in Giggs’ squad after not featuring since the Netherlands friendly, but injury has stopped him from featuring for Wales this time.
Giggs believes the squad has enough cover to make up for the absence of the 27-year-old.
Barnsley’s Ben Williams earned his first call-up after qualifying for Wales through a grandparent.
“Paul came off the last game with a hamstring injury, thats been troubling him. He doesn’t feel right with it. With the options we’ve got, that’s it.
“It’s why I wanted to see Ben Williams. We’ve got Neil Taylor who has done so well. We felt that we okay and not to risk Paul.”
Embed from Getty Images18-year-old central midfielder Dylan Levitt is in the squad after being involved in the training squad in the Algarve.
Giggs who like Levitt played for Manchester United, drew similarities between the Flintshire midfielder and current Wales international Matty Smith.
“I’ve watched a lot of the games he’s played. He’s a footballer, similar to Matty Smith in the way he plays the game. He can play various positions and he impressed.
“I want to see as many players as I can. I want to bring players in that bring in experience. That experience is invaluable. When you’ve got that experience.”
Embed from Getty ImagesManchester United target Dan James looks set to take part in the upcoming fixtures, amist a possible move to Old Trafford.
The Swansea City target withdrew from the training camp following the death of his father.
“Obviously its terrible what has happened,”
“I’ve spoken to Dan and he’s really keen to meet up and be involved in the games. I’ve said we’d touch base again this week and see how he’s feeling at the end of this week. He rang me he wants to be involved.
Asked whether former teammate and now United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer asked about James, the United legend replied: “You don’t need to speak to me to see the quality Dan has had. He’s really kicked on.
“For me in the last game he was fantastic. When you’ve got the speed and temperament that he’s got, he can play anywhere.”
Although Ampadu hasn’t played senior football much this season, the 18-year-old will be involved in this camp.
The Chelsea utility man has a chance of being involved in the matchday squad too but it hinges on his progress with his club side.
“Ethan’s been training with the last week. He’s not been involved the last few camps. Even if he comes to Colliers Park and train with the team. Then that’s fine. Even if he doesn’t make the planes for the game.
“It could be that he just turns up and he trains or he could be on that plane if everything goes to plan.”
(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)
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