Ryan Giggs announces Wales squad for upcoming triple-header as injured Bale misses out
Cardiff, Wales 18/11/19. Wales manager Ryan Giggs at Wales v Hungary Match Day 1 Press Conference at Hensol Castle. Lewis Mitchell/YCPD.
Wales boss Ryan Giggs has announced a 27-man squad for the upcoming fixtures against England, Republic of Ireland and Bulgaria, with Gareth Bale missing out through injury.
The Red Dragons are set to face off against rivals England in a behind-closed-doors friendly at Wembley Stadium on October 8, before returning to Nations League action with trips to Dublin and Sofia on the 11th and 14th of October respectively.
The main talking point from Giggs’ squad announcement is the injury to Bale, which he sustained during the previous international break.
On the superstar’s omission, the Wales boss said: “Unfortunately, since our last camp, Gareth’s not trained, he’s only just started getting on the grass in the last few days. We’ve had conversations with Gareth and the medical team and he’s just not quite right for this camp unfortunately.”
“It (the injury) was picked up in the first game (against Finland) and then he played in the second game and it was fine, but after the 90 minutes against Bulgaria, he just felt it a little bit. It’s nothing serious, just one to keep an eye on. It’s just taken a bit of time to settle down and he’s not quite right.”
The squad does, however, include returns for defenders Joe Rodon and Chris Mepham, while key playmaker Aaron Ramsey also returns to the international setup.
Giggs expressed his delight to have Ramsey – who has impressed with Juventus in the early stages of the season – back in contention.
“First of all, he’s fit. He’s started the season really well. First game, he got 90 minutes and in the second game, I think it was 70 minutes so we’re looking forward to having Aaron back because he’s such a quality player. He can make the difference, I’ve said it so many times.”
Earning his first international call-up is left-back Rhys Norrington-Davies, who is on loan at Championship outfit Luton Town from Sheffield United.
On the defender’s maiden call-up, Giggs said, “”He’s someone who we’ve kept an eye on. Pagey (Robert Page) has worked with him, he knows him well and knows him as a lad and speaks highly of him.
“I’ve seen him a couple of times, watched him against Germany for the under-21s and also recently, he played against United for Luton. He’s a player I’m looking forward to because, like I say, I’ve heard really good things about him, not only his quality but his character off Pagey.”
Wales’ all-time most capped player with 97 appearances, Chris Gunter, is included in Giggs’ squad despite not having a club following his departure from Reading this summer.
Along with Bale, other significant omissions from the squad include the familiar faces of Sam Vokes, Neil Taylor, Ashley Williams, Tom Lockyer and James Lawrence, who have earned a total of 211 Wales caps between them.
Wales squad to face England, Republic of Ireland and Bulgaria:
Wayne Hennessey (Crystal Palace), Danny Ward (Leicester City), Adam Davies (Stoke City), Chris Gunter (Unattached), Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Connor Roberts (Swansea City), Ethan Ampadu (Sheffield United), Chris Mepham (Bournemouth), Joe Rodon (Swansea City), Neco Williams (Liverpool), Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Rhys Norrington-Davies (Luton Town), Aaron Ramsey (Juventus), Jonathan Williams (Charlton), Harry Wilson (Liverpool), David Brooks (Bournemouth), Joe Morrell (Bristol City), Will Vaulks (Cardiff City), Matthew Smith (Manchester City), Brennan Johnson (Lincoln City), Daniel James (Manchester United), Dylan Levitt (Manchester United), Hal Robson-Kanu (West Bromwich Albion), Kieffer Moore (Cardiff City), Tyler Roberts (Leeds United), Rabbi Matondo (Schalke), Ben Woodburn (Liverpool)
(Featured image: Lewis Mitchell/YCPD)
