Toshack fearful for World Cup hopes
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.John Toshack fears his World Cup plans will be wrecked by long-term injury of four of his best players. The Wales coach will send out an experimental side here tonight for a friendly that will give him the chance to run the rule over fringe players.
Craig Bellamy, Danny Gabbidon, James Collins, and Gareth Bale are all concerning him. Collins is not expected back until October after a knee operation, Bellamy is fighting for fitness after a groin operation, Gabbidon has a long-term groin issue and Bale a long-term ankle injury.
"We have spent three years working on a defensive plan and it is worrying and disappointing that we are without them," Toshack said. "Any international team would miss four players of that quality, but for us it really is a major blow."
The Hull goalkeeper Boaz Myhill and Stockport defender Ashley Williams are expected to make their Wales debuts.
Provisional team: Myhill (Hull), Eardley (Oldham), Nyatanga (Barnsley), A Williams (Stockport), Morgan (Peterborough), Ricketts (Hull), Fletcher (Crystal Palace), Koumas (Wigan), S Davies (Fulham), Eastwood (Wolves), Easter (Plymouth). Substitutes: Price (Derby), Duffy (Portsmouth), S Roberts (Doncaster), Stock (Doncaster), Tudur-Jones (Swansea), Cotterill (Sheff Utd), Nardiello (Barnsley).
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments