Wales captain Aaron Ramsey has been left out of Craig Bellamy’s 26-man national team squad for their final two Group J World Cup qualifying matches.
Ramsey, who was recalled following a 13-month absence from the national team fold during the October international break, has not been selected for Wales’ crunch ties against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia later this month.
Despite a long-awaited return, injury prevented the 34-year-old midfielder from adding to his 86 Wales caps during their last camp that saw them lose 3-0 to England in a friendly before suffering a 4-2 defeat to Belgium, leaving their World Cup qualification hopes in the balance.
The former Arsenal midfielder is reported to now be a free agent, having mutually terminated his deal with Mexican club Pumas UNAM after just six games in Central America following the disappearance of his dog. However, neither the player nor the club have yet confirmed a parting of the ways.
Ramsey is now a free agent after the reported mutual termination of his deal at Pumas
Pumas boss Efrain Juarez refused to address Ramsey’s situation after their game last weekend, saying: “Honestly, I think the club will provide information about that in due time.”
“To me, he’s not available at this present moment. He’s still injured, so it definitely wasn’t an option for us,” Bellamy told press.
“We’re monitoring as it goes along and see what develops then. And see where we are.”
Quizzed further about whether Ramsey’s absence could affect his World Cup chances, Bellamy added, referencing the disappearance of his dog: “I know it’s been a difficult time for him at this present moment with his family.
“I believe we’ve all been there at one stage or another. And we know how difficult this period is. I’ve been there. Has anyone had dogs? Have you been in that situation? It’s the most heart-wrenching feeling going.
“So he has a young family to try and navigate through that as well. So I feel at the moment, what would be best for us all is just to stay quiet for a minute.”
Cardiff playmaker Rubin Colwill replaces Ramsey in the only change to the initial 26-man squad Bellamy named last month.
However, Leeds forward Daniel James, who was forced to drop out of the last Wales squad due to injury, has returned to selection after recovering from an ankle problem. James returned to Daniel Farke’s side in late October and has since made three substitute appearances for the newly promoted side.
Wales’ Dan James has been called up after recovering from injury
Ben Davies is included despite being sidelined by injury at Tottenham in recent weeks.
Fulham forward Harry Wilson is suspended for the trip to Liechtenstein on November 15 but available to play against North Macedonia in Cardiff three days later.
Wales sit third in Group J, four points behind leaders Belgium, who will achieve automatic qualification should they finish top. North Macedonia are second and three points above Wales, having played a game more.
Should Wales secure second spot, they will secure a place in the UEFA play-offs, where 16 teams will contest mini-knockout brackets for four more World Cup places.
Strong Wales squad as Bellamy aims to keep World Cup squad alive
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Bellamy responded to reports linking him with the vacant job at Celtic
Analysis by Sky Sports News’ Geraint Hughes:
“The objective is still clear. Qualify for the World Cup. To do so automatically is realistically no longer possible, but via a playoff route is very much on.
“Wales have a playoff spot already in the bag thanks to winning their Nations League group last year, but that doesn’t guarantee a home playoff semi-final. Win their final two games of World Cup qualifying and finish second in Group J, and another, better playoff route will be on offer, one that guarantees a home semi-final and therefore likely to be against lower-ranked opponents.
“Craig Bellamy’s 26-player squad is as strong as it could be bar one omission – Aaron Ramsey.
“While the 34-year-old’s future is up in the air, both for club and country, Bellamy went to extraordinary lengths to explain why right now the only focus is on the well-being of him, his wife and children.
“Clearly, it has not worked out for Ramsey at Pumas in Mexico, but more important is his family. A bizarre and slightly chilling story about the mysterious disappearance of the long time family dog who was brought out to Mexico from the UK along with the family has emerged. Sadly ‘Halo’ has been missing for several weeks and is presumed dead. As Bellamy made clear the whole situation has unnerved the family, not a good environment to be in. Sometimes football isn’t that important.
“Without Ramsey though Wales have a strong squad. Leeds’ Dan James return is welcome, his profile gives Bellamy the opportunity to use a player who can cause defences problems, not just his speed and assists, but opposing teams leave themselves exposed on transition if they haven’t marked him and sometimes double up on him. That leaves space elsewhere. Dan James is a welcome returnee from injury.
“Tottenham’s Ben Davies has been selected despite not playing one minute for Spurs since Wales’ last match against Belgium. Davies limped off with a hamstring problem, but Bellamy confirmed FAW & Spurs medical teams have been talking and he’s fit enough to be selected. In terms of match fitness, Davies is one of the fittest and most intelligent players around, so recovery and body management are not seen as issues. Expect Davies to play a major part for Wales, if not against Liechtenstein, but certainly captaining the side in the final World Cup qualifier in Cardiff against North Macedonia.”
Wales squad in full
Goalkeepers: Karl Darlow (Leeds United), Adam Davies (Sheffield United), Tom King (Everton)
Defenders: Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Jay DaSilva (Coventry City), Chris Mepham (West Bromwich Albion), Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Joe Rodon (Leeds United), Dylan Lawlor (Cardiff City), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest), Ronan Kpakio (Cardiff City)
Midfielders: Ethan Ampadu (Leeds United), Josh Sheehan (Bolton Wanderers), Jordan James (Leicester City, on loan from Stade Rennais), Liam Cullen (Swansea City), Joel Colwill (Cardiff City), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City)
Forwards: Harry Wilson (Fulham), Nathan Broadhead (Wrexham), Sorba Thomas (Stoke City), Lewis Koumas (Birmingham City, on loan from Liverpool), Mark Harris (Oxford United), Kieffer Moore (Wrexham), Brennan Johnson (Tottenham Hotspur), David Brooks (Bournemouth), Dan James (Leeds United)
