Aaron Ramsey included in Wales squad for World Cup qualifiers

Aaron Ramsey has been included in the Wales squad for their World Cup qualifiers against Belgium and the Czech Republic, despite concerns over his fitness.

The Juventus midfielder had a reported thigh injury, in the report, it claimed he would miss the latest international break however Wales are assessing the situation.

Ramsey has featured in just three of Wales’ last 15 games but is hopeful of being fully fit by the time the games come around later this month.  

“That’s still ongoing. We’re still investigating that,” said Page as he explained Ramsey’s inclusion.

“We’ve named him in the squad because he’s a big part of what we want to do and how we play.

“Of course we want him in the squad, we would like to get him on camp, have eyes on him and assess him ourselves. Fingers crossed we’ll have him when we meet up on Sunday.

“He’s in the squad at the minute, and, unless things develop overnight and become far worse than what we think and that he’s absolutely out of the 10 days, so if things change like that then it’s out of our control.

“As it stands at the minute, we’d like him to meet up and then we can assess him.”

It is understood Giggs was involved in the squad selection, however, Rob Page will oversee the two qualifiers and the friendly against Mexico.

Goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey returns to the Wales setup after recovering from a thigh injury which kept him sidelined for five months.  

Brennan Johnson and Josh Sheehan, who made their international debuts in the goalless draw with the USA are also in the squad.

A noticeable absentee from the squad is David Brooks who after sustaining an ankle injury has been sidelined since mid-February.

In terms of omissions, Will Vaulks, who has six Wales caps, is not included in the squad for a second consecutive time after not being included in the last camp.

The 27-year-old has played in all but two of Cardiff City’s league matches this season but has been overlooked once more.

The biggest talking point however for Wales fans, is the return of Joe Allen. The midfielder has been out of the Wales fold for over a year since suffering a ruptured Achilles, whilst playing for Stoke City in the EFL Championship.

He will make his return to international football this month hoping to recreate a special performance similar to the one against Belgium in the European Championships in 2016.

Speaking on the upcoming matches, Robert Page said: “It’s the same principles as November for myself and the players. I’m very proud again to be leading the side out, but for me, it’s business as usual. 

“We’ve got three real important games coming up for us now, two World Cup Qualifiers, and one good International Friendly for others to try and put their stamp on potentially making the squad for the Euros in the summer.

“It’s a big camp for us and one that we’re all looking forward to, and hopefully we can maintain our good form and winning momentum.”

Wales’ squad to face the Belgium, Czech Republic and Mexico: 

Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey, Danny Ward, Adam Davies, Tom King.

Defenders: Chris Gunter, Ben Davies, Connor Roberts, Ethan Ampadu, Chris Mepham, Tom Lockyer, Joe Rodon, James Lawrence, Neco Williams, Rhys Norrington-Davies, Ben Cabango.

Midfielders: Aaron Ramsey, Joe Allen, Jonny Williams, Harry Wilson, Dan James, Matthew Smith, Joe Morrell, Dylan Levitt, Brennan Johnson, Josh Sheehan.

Forwards: Gareth Bale, Hal Robson-Kanu, Tom Lawrence, Kieffer Moore, Tyler Roberts, Rabbi Matondo.

(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)