Gareth Bale set to be fit for Wales’ crunch World Cup play-off
Wales face Austria on Thursday in a World Cup play-off semi-final in Cardiff
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Gareth Bale has handed Wales a World Cup play-off boost by training with the rest of the squad after missing Sunday’s El Clasico through injury.
Bale missed Real Madrid’s 4-0 defeat to Barcelona with manager Carlo Ancelotti saying after the game he “didn’t feel well”.
Reports in Spain said the Wales captain had back pain.
“He tried this morning but he wasn’t up to playing,” Ancelotti said on Sunday. “He’s now going to join up with his national team and they’ll decide whether he plays or not.”
The early indications are that Bale will be fit enough to start against Austria in Cardiff on Thursday.
Robert Page’s entire 26-man squad trained in the Vale of Glamorgan sunshine ahead of Wales’ play-off semi-final.
Wales are hoping to secure their first appearance at a World Cup since 1958.
Should they beat Austria they would progress to a play-off final against Scotland or Ukraine. That tie has been delayed because of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and is now set to take place in June.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments