WALES HAVE BEEN dealt a huge blow with the news that Gareth Bale has been ruled out of their crunch World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and the Republic of Ireland.
Bale’s fitness has been a source of concern for the national side since he suffered a calf muscle strain against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last week.
Advertisement
The 28-year-old missed Real Madrid’s league clash with Espanyol on Sunday but reported to the Wales camp the following morning.
Wales are currently second in Group D, four points behind leaders Serbia and one point above Ireland.
Two wins in the matches on Friday, away to Georgia, and next Monday, at home to Ireland, are likely to guarantee them at least a place in next month’s play-offs for a place in Russia.
Bale’s absence could open the door for Liverpool teenager Ben Woodburn to make his first Wales start.
The 17-year-old made a dramatic introduction last month when he scored the winner within five minutes of coming on as a second-half substitute against Austria.
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Close
61 Comments
This is YOUR comments community. Stay civil, stay constructive, stay on topic.
Please familiarise yourself with our comments policy
here
before taking part.
Major blow for Wales as Gareth Bale ruled out of World Cup qualifier clash against Ireland
WALES HAVE BEEN dealt a huge blow with the news that Gareth Bale has been ruled out of their crunch World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and the Republic of Ireland.
Bale’s fitness has been a source of concern for the national side since he suffered a calf muscle strain against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last week.
The 28-year-old missed Real Madrid’s league clash with Espanyol on Sunday but reported to the Wales camp the following morning.
Wales are currently second in Group D, four points behind leaders Serbia and one point above Ireland.
Two wins in the matches on Friday, away to Georgia, and next Monday, at home to Ireland, are likely to guarantee them at least a place in next month’s play-offs for a place in Russia.
Bale’s absence could open the door for Liverpool teenager Ben Woodburn to make his first Wales start.
The 17-year-old made a dramatic introduction last month when he scored the winner within five minutes of coming on as a second-half substitute against Austria.
– © AFP 2017
Subscribe to The42 podcasts here:
‘I will rest for the next 10 months’: Carlo Ancelotti vows to return amid Arsenal and Chelsea links
‘You went out and you played, you got injected and then you played again’
To embed this post, copy the code below on your site
Gareth Bale Hamstrung Ireland Wales