Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey is a fitness doubt for the upcoming friendly against England at Wembley and the crucial World Cup qualifier against Belgium.
Ramsey’s Fitness Worry
The 34-year-old was left out of Pumas UNAM’s squad for their 2-1 defeat to Guadalajara in Mexico’s Liga MX on Monday. Local reports suggest Ramsey felt discomfort in training last week, forcing him to miss preparations and raising fresh questions about his availability.
Ramsey, recalled recently by Wales head coach Craig Bellamy, has not featured for the national side since a hamstring injury in the Nations League win over Montenegro in September 2024. It remains uncertain whether he will travel back to Wales for treatment or continue his rehabilitation in Mexico.
Having endured a string of leg injuries during his 19-year career across Arsenal, Juventus, Nice, and Cardiff City, his latest setback will be concerning for Bellamy, who described him as still having “football left” when announcing the squad.
A Key Week for Wales
Wales face England in a high-profile friendly at Wembley on Thursday, 9 October, before hosting Belgium at Cardiff City Stadium in a vital World Cup qualifier the following Monday. Losing Ramsey, a proven leader and playmaker, would be a significant blow as Bellamy continues to shape his squad.
Squad Round-Up: Club Form Ahead of International Duty
Bellamy will, however, take some positives from how his squad members performed at the weekend.
- Premier League: David Brooks captained Bournemouth in their clash against Fulham, featuring opposite Harry Wilson, while Leeds United trio Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon, and Ethan Ampadu all played full minutes in their narrow defeat to Tottenham. Spurs’ Brennan Johnson came on late, but teammate Ben Davies remained on the bench.
- Championship & League One: Kieffer Moore led the line for Wrexham, while Nathan Broadhead and Lewis Koumas featured off the bench. Cardiff City’s Dylan Lawlor found the net in their thrilling 4-3 win over Leyton Orient, with teammates Ronan Kpakio and Joel Colwill providing assists.
- Abroad: Jordan James impressed for Leicester on loan from Stade Rennais, while Sorba Thomas set up a goal for Stoke in their 1-1 draw with Blackburn.
Neco Williams also continued his run in Nottingham Forest’s starting XI during their 2-0 defeat to Newcastle.
Wales Squad for October Fixtures
Goalkeepers: Karl Darlow (Leeds United), Adam Davies (Sheffield United), Tom King (Everton)
Defenders: Ben Cabango (Swansea), Jay Dasilva (Coventry), Ben Davies (Tottenham), Ronan Kpakio (Cardiff), Dylan Lawlor (Cardiff), Chris Mepham (West Brom), Joe Rodon (Leeds), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest)
Midfielders: Ethan Ampadu (Leeds), David Brooks (Bournemouth), Jordan James (Leicester, loan from Rennes), Aaron Ramsey (Pumas UNAM), Josh Sheehan (Bolton), Sorba Thomas (Stoke), Harry Wilson (Fulham), Joel Colwill (Cardiff)
Forwards: Nathan Broadhead (Wrexham), Liam Cullen (Swansea), Mark Harris (Oxford), Lewis Koumas (Birmingham, loan from Liverpool), Brennan Johnson (Tottenham), Kieffer Moore (Wrexham)
