Aaron Ramsey has not been included in Craig Bellamy’s Wales squad for the crucial World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan next week.
The former Arsenal midfielder made his debut for Mexican side Pumas UNAM on Monday but has only just returned from a long hamstring injury suffered in March while playing for Cardiff City.
Ramsey’s absence is not believed to be permanent. With limited game time in the past year and only one competitive match in this window, Bellamy has chosen not to risk the 33-year-old on a long trip from Mexico to Kazakhstan.
The decision is seen as pragmatic, allowing the Welshman to continue building fitness with Pumas ahead of key qualifiers later this year against Belgium, Liechtenstein and North Macedonia.
The gaffer has instead called up three uncapped players: Kai Andrews, Ronan Kpakio and Dylan Lawlor as he blends youth with experience in his squad.
However, Wales have been dealt a setback with the loss of Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu. The 24-year-old midfielder suffered a knee injury during Leeds’ 1-0 win over Everton earlier this month and will miss the international window.
Despite the skipper’s omission, the national team manager has made it clear he values the midfielder’s experience and is unlikely to close the door on him. The manager remains open to bringing Ramsey back once he regains rhythm and match sharpness.
The Dragons will take on Kazakhstan in Group J of the World Cup qualifiers on September 4 before hosting Canada in a friendly in Swansea on September 9.
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