Rob Page names Gareth Bale in Wales squad despite lack of game time
Gareth Bale of Wales is surrouned by Estonia players. Wales v Estonia in a 2022 FIFA World Cup Qualifier at the Cardiff City Stadium on the 8th September 2021. Credit: Lewis Mitchell
Wales manager Rob Page has named captain Gareth Bale in the squad for Belgium and Belarus, despite a lengthy spell on the sidelines.
Bale has been sidelined since mid-September after sustaining a knee injury in training with Real Madrid.
The 32-year-old trained alone with Madrid but is expected to link up with his club teammates for their league match against Rayo Vallecano.
Should Wales-all time record goalscorer make a recovery he would make his 100th appearance for his country against Belarus.
The squad includes mainstays such as Chris Gunter, Joe Allen, Wayne Hennessey, Ben Davies, and Aaron Ramsey. Along with Connor Roberts, Joe Rodon, and Neco Williams.
Page has named a large squad in case of withdrawals or COVID protocols that have affected his squad before.
“I think the 28 man squad that I’ve selected reflects that.
“We have to cover every eventuality, I don’t want to pick a 23 man squad and have to bring players in with regards to testing and run the risk of them being outside of the bubble.
“So I want to take control of that from the Monday.”
Sorba Thomas of Huddersfield gets another call-up after he impressed during the last international window where he won his first two caps.
Will Vaulks is called up for a second camp in a row after losing his place before and during the Euros. He is joined by club teammates Mark Harris and Rubin Colwill. Kiefer Moore is also named but will be suspended for the game against Belarus.
Wales squad in full to face Belarus and Belgium:
Goalkeepers: Wayne Hennessey (Burnley), Danny Ward (Leicester City), Adam Davies (Stoke City)
Defenders: Chris Gunter (Charlton Athletic), Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Connor Roberts (Burnley), Chris Mepham (AFC Bournemouth), Joe Rodon (Tottenham Hotspur), Neco Williams (Liverpool), James Lawrence (FC St Pauli), Rhys Norrington-Davies (Sheffield United), Ben Cabango (Swansea City).
Midfielders: Aaron Ramsey (Juventus), Joe Allen (Stoke City), Ethan Ampadu (Venezia), Jonny Williams (Swindon Town), Harry Wilson (Fulham), Joe Morell (Portsmouth), Dylan Levitt (Dundee United), Will Vaulks (Cardiff City), Sorba Thomas (Huddersfield Town).
Forwards: Gareth Bale (Real Madrid), Dan James (Leeds United), Kiefer Moore (Cardiff City), Tyler Roberts (Leeds United), Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City), Mark Harris (Cardiff City).
