Wales forward Gareth Bale has insisted that his side can cope without Aaron Ramsey after the midfielder was withdrawn from the squad ahead ahead of their Euro 2020 qualifier on Sunday.
Ryan Giggs' side will take on Slovakia in a Group E clash in which victory could take them level on points with their opponents and closer to the top of the group, with Sunday's clash the first outing in Wales' qualifying campaign.
BREAKING: @Cymru midfielder Aaron Ramsey ruled out of tomorrow's @EURO2020 qualifier against Slovakia with a thigh injury. #SSN pic.twitter.com/wmXyzcTCW8
— Sky Sports News (@SkySportsNews) March 23, 2019
However, Wales will have to overcome their first obstacle without one of their star names, as Ramsey has now returned to Arsenal for treatment on a thigh injury. Bale has been keen to stress that his side can cope without the midfielder.
As quoted by ITV, the Real Madrid star said: "Obviously it's a big blow for us. He's a big player for us and we'll obviously miss him.
"But it gives someone else a chance to step in and do a good job, and hopefully help the team to a win.
Aaron Ramsey has returned to Arsenal as part of his recovery from a thigh injury
— James Benge (@jamesbenge) March 23, 2019
"I am fully fit and ready to go. I am enjoying being here and I am excited for the new campaign."
Bale has endured a difficult season with Real Madrid, having been jeered by Los Blancos fans following his side's eliminations from the Champions League and the Copa del Rey, though he scored after being restored to the starting XI by returning boss Zinedine Zidane last weekend.
gbwls SQUAD UPDATE gbwls
— Wales gbwls (@Cymru) March 23, 2019
Ryan Giggs has confirmed that @aaronramsey has withdrawn from the @Cymru squad through injury and has returned to @Arsenal for treatment.
Brysia wella! #WALSVK pic.twitter.com/Sxyq1KzBaC
Injury has also contributed to Bale's stuttering season, though he has still scored 16 goals for his club this term, and the Welshman added: "I have only had one injury. I have been fine and playing.
"I've scored a decent amount of goals and I am raring to go. I want to keep doing as much as I can to help the [Wales] team and so does every player.
Gareth Bale: "Modric is the best player I've played with. Ronaldo is an incredible player too."
— Footy Accumulators (@FootyAccums) March 22, 2019
The sheer disrespect for Sébastien Bassong makes me sick.
"So I certainly don't feel the pressure to produce. I just want to go out there, give my best for my country, score goals, create goals, defend, whatever I can to help the team."
Source : 90min