WALES have sent medical staff to Los Angeles and Nice to ensure Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey are in top shape for the World Cup.
The Dragons’ star duo have had injury-hit seasons at their respective new clubs in the countdown to Qatar.
But the Football Association of Wales have done everything in their powers to get the best out of captain Bale and midfield ace Ramsey ahead of their first finals since 1958.
SunSport understands medical services manager and lead physiotherapist Sean Connelly has been out to America to work with Bale and see LAFC’s facilities following his switch Stateside.
Five-time Champions League winner Bale, 33, left Real Madrid on a free transfer when his contract expired at the end of June for a new life in California.
The same tactic has applied to Ramsey, who moved to Nice from Juventus last summer with FAW staff – such as the use of a masseur or physio over a short period – visiting him in the south of France.
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It is believed the connection and trust between staff and players has been vital in building relationships with both clubs excellent in their co-operation.
Former Arsenal star Ramsey, 31, also uses his own fitness staff from a number of countries, including Holland, to keep in top condition.
Dietitians have also been used by the players in recent times in a bid to make sure they are looked after.
The FAW have backed manager Robert Page with the resources to ensure his senior players are in peak condition with the World Cup opener against the USA in Doha on November 21 fast approaching.
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Bale was an unused substitute in LAFC’s Western Conference final triumph last Sunday and hopes to be involved in Saturday’s MLS Cup showpiece against Philadelphia Union.
Wales’ talisman handed his country a scare when he missed the semi-final with a leg injury and has only played five minutes for his club since completing 90 minutes in the Nations League defeat by Poland in September.
Ramsey sat out the last international break with a hamstring injury but returned to action for Nice against Paris Saint-Germain last month.
Page hailed Bale and Ramsey last week during a Q&A session at Cardiff’s Senedd building.
Page said: “I spoke to both players on the phone recently. They are both okay. They are both experienced enough now to understand what their body needs to get them in the right place.
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“They are the ultimate professionals. They go to the nth degree to recover after games and the preparation starts when the final whistle goes.
“I trust in what they are doing to make sure they are in the best place possible to get on the plane.”
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
