GARETH BALE is one of three Wales big-hitters being nursed ahead of Thursday’s World Cup date with destiny.
The Dragons captain took part in training on Tuesday in a major boost before the play-off semi- final tie with Austria in Cardiff.
Gareth Bale is being nursed back to healthCredit: Alamy
But Bale, as well as Aaron Ramsey and Ethan Ampadu, had their workload carefully managed by fitness staff because they were in recovery mode.
Real Madrid superstar Bale missed Sunday’s El Clasico 4-0 hammering by Barcelona after Carlo Ancelotti said he did not feel well, while reports in Spain claimed Bale had a ‘bad back’.
Ampadu and Ramsey played for Venezia and Rangers respectively three days ago but Wales took no chances before the crunch home clash as they bid to reach a World Cup for the first time since 1958.
During a warm-up running drill where the players were put in groups of four, fitness coach Ronan Kavanagh said on Wales’ Instagram live: “Lads on recovery, take it nice and easy.”
.css-i1acvs{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,99,73,1);text-transform:uppercase;-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-i1acvs:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}‘A GREAT PROBLEM’ .css-8h3gc3{margin:0;padding:0;color:rgba(34,37,38,1);-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;font-family:The Sun;font-size:18px;line-height:1.333;font-weight:700;letter-spacing:0%;font-stretch:normal;display:inline;}.css-8h3gc3:hover:not(:disabled){-webkit-text-decoration:none;text-decoration:none;}
Bale warned Wales starlet Johnson is hot on his heels ahead of WC clash
Bale, who has played just 77 minutes of club football for Real since featuring against Real Betis on August 28, replied ‘OK’ to the instruction.
After back-to-back Euros, the 32-year-old is desperate to reach the Qatar finals but boss Robert Page faces a big dilemma over how many minutes his talisman can give Wales, especially as the tie could go to extra-time.
Bale returned from a two-month lay-off to win his 100th cap against Belarus in the 5-1 victory in November. But the forward lasted just 45 minutes before picking up a calf injury.
Since then his only appearances came against Villarreal before a three-minute Champions League cameo as a substitute away in the last-16, first leg to Paris Saint-Germain last month.
FREE BETS AND SIGN UP DEALS – BEST NEW CUSTOMER OFFERS
Ethan Ampadu is nearing full fitnessCredit: Reuters
Tottenham’s Ben Davies, 28, said: “It’s a huge boost when you see a player like Gareth alongside you.
“He’s looking sharp in training and if we can get something special out of him in Thursday’s match, we’ll be delighted.
“It’s the type of match we all want to be involved in.
“We are very excited as a squad. After the Euros it feels like we have one more big challenge to overcome but I’m confident that we can deliver.
“If we’re at our best we can get the job done.
“To reach the World Cup would be a very special feeling.”
Fulham defender Neco Williams, 20, on loan from Liverpool, added: “Gareth looks fit and sharp. As long as he feels ready then we all know what he is capable of doing.”
Midfielder Ramsey scored his first Rangers goal in Sunday’s Scottish Premier League win at Dundee on Sunday but, like Bale, the Juventus loanee has struggled with injuries this season.
But boss Page had the luxury of his entire 26-man squad being able to turn out for training.
Aaron Ramsey scored his first Rangers goal at the weekendCredit: Willie Vass
Meanwhile, Neco Williams has hailed the Liverpool full-back schooling he has received from Andy Robertson and Trent Alexander-Arnold.
The flying Wales defender, 20, trained alongside Robertson and Alexander-Arnold in Jurgen Klopp’s squad until he made the loan switch to Championship leaders Fulham at the end of January.
But Williams believes the steep learning curve at Anfield has only made him a better player.
Williams, who can play either left or right back, said: “I’ve learnt a lot off Robbo. He is obviously one of the best left-backs in the world.
“You learn a lot from him just by training with him every day.
“He’s a great character and whatever you need help with, you can ask him and he will always give you an honest answer.
“I have learnt massively from him and especially Trent because he is on my side (right) and ahead of me at the minute.
“If Wales overcome Austria in Cardiff then Williams could face a final clash with Scotland’s Robertson with a spot at Qatar at stake.
The Scots are due to face Ukraine in the other last-four tie in June. That match has been delayed due to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
When asked if there had been any chat with his Liverpool pal after the semi-final draw was made, Williams added: “There was a bit of banter but I think we will wait a bit closer to the time though.”
