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Knee injury to keep Gareth Bal...

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Knee injury to keep Gareth Bale out of Nations League clash with Ireland


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Gareth Bale will miss Wales' UEFA Nations League game with the Republic of Ireland next month. 

Ryan Giggs' side are due to visit the Aviva on October 11, three days after Ireland's Euro 2020 playoff semi-final with Slovakia.

Bale has been omitted for the Wales squad for the friendly with England and Nations League meetings with Ireland and Bulgaria due to a knee injury.

It's the same problem that has prevented him making his debut for Tottenham since his move from Real Madrid.

Bale didn't play in Wales' 1-0 win away to Finland on September 3, but started in their victory over Bulgaria in Cardiff three days later.

When asked about Bale's fitness on Wednesday, his Tottenham manager Jose Mourinho replied, "Bale cannot play tomorrow [v Maccabi Haifa] or even on the weekend, that I can confirm.

"Working very hard, very committed, very professional, very happy but not yet [ready] for tomorrow or the weekend.

"I believe the two weeks of international can be important for his last phase of his recovering and fitness, hopefully to play when we come back for the weekend after the national teams.

"Let's see if it's possible [for him] to arrive there.

"It looks like Giggs cares about the player and understands how important the period is for Gareth and it looks like his decision is not to bring him to the national team.

"In fact, he's not ready to play, he couldn't play for them.

But to be there, and lose the work he can do with us, would be very important for the player.

"And the player belongs to Tottenham, the player belongs to the Welsh national team and it looks like he's going to have this opportunity to work specifically and to be back in good conditions."

Juventus midfielder Aaron Ramsey is recalled, having missed both of September's games.

Liverpool defender Neco Williams is also in the squad after he made his senior debut last month.


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Bale Gareth Bale Ireland Nations League Neco Williams Republic Of Ireland Stephen Kenny Uefa Nations League Wales

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