GARETH BALE is out of Wales’ clash with England at Wembley next week.
The on-loan Tottenham star has been left out of Ryan Giggs’ squad for the triple-header of away games, starting against the Three Lions in a friendly next Thursday.
Gareth Bale will not play in any of Wales’ three upcoming matches, including the friendly against EnglandCredit: Reuters
Bale will also miss the Nations League clashes with the Republic of Ireland and Bulgaria in October.
The 31-year-old has a minor knee injury and Spurs hope their new signing can recover in time to make a second debut for the North Londoners against West Ham in the Premier League on October 17.
Wales boss Giggs said: “We would have loved to have had Gareth in the squad but that’s not to be.
“Unfortunately since our last camp Gareth has not trained.
“He’s only just started getting on the grass in the last few days and we’ve had conversations with both Gareth and the medical team and he’s not quite right for this camp.
“It wasn’t a big injury and of course Gareth always keeps himself fit so he’s able to come back as soon as the injury is right so he will be back pretty soon I would imagine.
“He was [close] but I think with the circumstances, with him going to a new club, we had to think seriously about not only the short term but the long term.
“[We need to] get Gareth back fit, get him playing and I look forward to seeing him in the Premier League.”
Bale, on a season-long loan from Real Madrid, sustained the injury in Wales’ 1-0 win in Finland earlier this month before playing the full 90 minutes against Bulgaria three days later.
Giggs confirmed: “It was picked up in the first game and then he played the second game, and it was fine but after the 90 minutes against Bulgaria, he just felt it a little bit.
“It’s nothing serious but it’s just one to keep an eye on. It has just taken a bit of time to settle down and he’s not quite right.”
Spurs boss Jose Mourinho also added Bale won’t be fit for his new club’s next game against Manchester United – but hopes the international break will be perfect for his rehab.
Mourinho said: “Bale cannot play tomorrow or on the weekend… that I can confirm.
“He’s working hard, very committed, very professional, very happy, but not yet for tomorrow or for the weekend.
“I believe that the two weeks of the international break can be important weeks to his last phase of recovery and fitness problems.
“Hopefully [he can] play when we’re back the weekend after the national teams.”
Giggs is thrilled to see Bale back in the Premier LeagueCredit: Reuters
Giggs is delighted Bale is back in the Premier League after seven successful years in Spain, where he won the Champions League four times with Real.
The Manchester United legend said: “I’m happy for Gareth because he’s obviously at a club he knows well.
“He will be playing regularly and I’m happy Gareth is back at a club he knows so well.”
Bale has attended Tottenham’s last two games against Newcastle and Chelsea.
But will Wales’ talisman be in the stands at Wembley for the first clash between the sides since Euro 2016?
Giggs added: “No, I think Gareth will be concentrating on his new club and getting himself right for when he is fit and able to play for Spurs.”
While Bale is missing, Aaron Ramsey is fit after starting Juventus’ opening two games of the Serie A season and has been named in a 27-man squad.
Luton defender Tom Lockyer is out with an ankle injury while experienced defender Ashley Williams, who is currently without a club, has been overlooked.
There are two uncapped players in the squad, left-back Rhys Norrington-Davies of Luton and Nottingham Forest’s Brennan Johnson, who is on loan at Lincoln.
Gareth Bale says his main aim is to help Tottenham win trophies again
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
