Wales Faces Injury Concerns Ahead of Friendly Against England
International Friendly: England vs Wales
Venue: Wembley Stadium, London Date: Thursday, 9 October Kick-off: 19:45 BST
Coverage: Live on S4C, BBC Radio Wales, Radio Cymru, BBC Radio 5 Live and BBC Sounds, as well as the BBC Sport website and app, featuring live text commentary.
Aaron Ramsey is an injury doubt for Wales' friendly against England on Thursday and next week's World Cup qualifier against Belgium.
The 34-year-old midfielder was not included in the Pumas UNAM squad for Monday's 2-1 Liga MX defeat to Guadalajara. Reports from Mexico indicate that Ramsey, recalled last week by Wales manager Craig Bellamy, experienced "discomfort" during training on Thursday and could not participate in Friday's preparations.
The former Arsenal player has not represented his country since suffering a hamstring injury during Wales' Nations League victory over Montenegro in September 2024. It remains uncertain whether Ramsey will return to Wales or stay in Mexico for rehabilitation.
Ramsey, who missed five months of Cardiff City's relegation campaign due to injury last season, joined Pumas this summer and has made six appearances for the Mexico City club, scoring once. His ongoing leg issues raise concerns for Bellamy, who stated last week that "there's still football in Ramsey."
Despite Ramsey's situation, there was positive news for Bellamy as he prepares for the friendly against Thomas Tuchel's side at Wembley on Thursday, 9 October, followed by the World Cup qualifier against Belgium at Cardiff City Stadium the following Monday.
How Did the Rest of Bellamy's Squad Fare Over the Weekend?
Friday was a significant night for Welsh players, with David Brooks captaining Bournemouth in a Premier League match against Fulham, where his fellow winger Harry Wilson played for the opposition. Brooks was substituted after 85 minutes, shortly after Bournemouth took the lead, while Wilson was replaced after 67 minutes.
In the Championship, Kieffer Moore started for Wrexham, who drew with Birmingham City. Nathan Broadhead contributed 20 minutes off the bench for Wrexham, while Lewis Koumas, on loan from Liverpool, also made a substitute appearance for Birmingham.
Although Dan James is sidelined for this international window due to injury, three of his teammates were in action during Leeds United's 2-1 home defeat to Tottenham Hotspur in Saturday's early Premier League match. Goalkeeper Karl Darlow, defender Joe Rodon, and midfielder Ethan Ampadu played the entire game, although Ampadu faced a tense moment when VAR reviewed his challenge on Pedro Porro, which ultimately resulted in a yellow card. Spurs winger Brennan Johnson had a brief appearance during the eight minutes of added time, while defender Ben Davies remained an unused substitute.
Darlow should be match-fit, but fellow goalkeepers Adam Davies (Sheffield United) and Tom King (Everton) did not feature for their clubs. Swansea City experienced a 3-1 home loss to Leicester City, with centre-back Ben Cabango playing the full match and striker Liam Cullen lasting 66 minutes. Leicester fielded Jordan James, on loan from Stade Rennais, who was substituted with four minutes left as the Foxes secured victory.
Cardiff City showcased three Wales squad members in their thrilling 4-3 win over Leyton Orient in League One, with centre-back Dylan Lawlor scoring a goal and right-back Ronan Kpakio and midfielder Joel Colwill providing assists. Chris Mepham played the entire match in West Bromwich Albion's 3-0 Championship defeat at Millwall, where he received a booking in the 12th minute. Meanwhile, Jay Dasilva enjoyed a successful outing at left-back for Coventry City, contributing to a commanding 5-0 victory over Sheffield Wednesday.
Sorba Thomas continued to impress for Stoke City, assisting their goal in a 1-1 draw against Blackburn Rovers. Striker Mark Harris played five minutes off the bench in Oxford United's 2-1 loss to Watford, while Josh Sheehan remained on the bench during Bolton Wanderers' 2-1 win over Peterborough United.
On Sunday, Neco Williams retained his position at left-back for Nottingham Forest, who faced Newcastle United in the Premier League but left still seeking form under new manager Ange Postecoglou after a 2-0 defeat.
Wales Squad
Goalkeepers: Karl Darlow (Leeds United), Adam Davies (Sheffield United), Tom King (Everton).
Defenders: Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Jay Dasilva (Coventry City), Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Ronan Kpakio (Cardiff City), Dylan Lawlor (Cardiff City), Chris Mepham (West Bromwich Albion), Joe Rodon (Leeds United), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest).
Midfielders: Ethan Ampadu (Leeds United), David Brooks (Bournemouth), Jordan James (Leicester City - on loan from Stade Rennais), Aaron Ramsey (Pumas UNAM), Josh Sheehan (Bolton Wanderers), Sorba Thomas (Stoke City), Harry Wilson (Fulham), Joel Colwill (Cardiff City).
Forwards: Nathan Broadhead (Wrexham), Liam Cullen (Swansea City), Mark Harris (Oxford United), Lewis Koumas (Birmingham City - on loan from Liverpool), Brennan Johnson (Tottenham Hotspur), Kieffer Moore (Wrexham).