Veteran star Gareth Bale leads the Welsh national team at the upcoming World Cup in Qatar (20 November to 18 December). This was announced by national coach Rob Page on Wednesday.
The coach left open whether the fitness level of the 33-year-old would be sufficient for a starting XI in all three group games. “That’s the million-dollar question. We don’t know,” Page said. “He’s not 100 percent fit at the moment.”
Bale won the North American Major League Soccer title with Los Angeles FC last weekend after the Welsh captain had been sidelined for almost two weeks with a leg injury.
The Welsh are only taking part in a World Cup for the second time since 1958. In Group B, Wales meets the USA (21st November), Iran (25th) and in the prestige duel against their neighbors England (29th).
Wales World Cup squad:
Goal: Wayne Hennessey (Nottingham Forest), Danny Ward (Leicester City), Adam Davies (Sheffield United)
defense: Ethan Ampadu (Spezia Calcio), Chris Mepham (AFC Bournemouth), Tom Lockyer (Luton Town), Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Chris Gunter (AFC Wimbledon), Connor Roberts (Burnley FC), Joe Rodon (Stade Rennes), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest), Ben Cabango (Swansea City)
Midfield/Forward: Joe Allen (Swansea City), Aaron Ramsey (OGC Nice), Harry Wilson (Fulham FC), Jonny Williams (Swindon Town), Joe Morrell (Portsmouth FC), Dylan Levitt (Dundee United), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City), Sorba Thomas (Huddersfield Town), Matt Smith (MK Dons), Gareth Bale (Los Angeles FC), Daniel James (Fulham FC), Kieffer Moore (AFC Bournemouth), Brennan Johnson (Nottingham Forest), Mark Harris (Cardiff City)