Gareth Bale appears to have won his battle to take on Spain in a game that Wales manager Ryan Giggs says will provide the Real Madrid star with extra motivation.
Bale missed Real’s Champions League defeat at CSKA Moscow on Tuesday with a groin injury picked up in the goalless Madrid derby against Atletico last weekend.
But Bale is hopeful of returning against Alaves on Saturday, and Giggs had no hestitation naming him in his squad for the Cardiff friendly with Spain on October 11 and the Nations League tie away to the Republic of Ireland five days later.
“He (Bale) had a little groin strain but the scan came back all clear and he expects to be involved at the weekend, which is good,” Giggs said at his squad announcement press conference.
“Every player’s motivation will be high for a number of reasons.
“You’re playing for your country first and foremost, playing against a very good team and it’s a chance to test yourself.
“It’s also at the Millennium (where Wales have not played since 2011), so it’s a different stadium and all the players will be motivated).
“But with Gareth playing in Spain there’ll be added motivation for him, I’m sure.”
Aaron Ramsey was also named in the 25-man squad despite missing Arsenal’s Europa League tie in Azerbaijan on Thursday to stay in London with his pregnant wife.
Ramsey’s Arsenal future has been under scrutiny following reports that contract talks have collapsed and the 27-year-old midfielder will leave the Emirates Stadium either in January or next summer.
But Giggs has no qualms that the uncertainty over Ramsey’s club future will affect his international form, saying: “What I saw last time when Aaron met with us was a fantastic player and a really good professional.
“What’s going on at his club didn’t impact on him when he met up with us, so I expect the same.
“I don’t know the details, all I’m concentrating on is a player who comes and gives his all and has fantastic qualities.
“My advice would be to concentrate on his career with Arsenal and then us when he comes with us.
“Where he goes in the future, whether he stays at Arsenal or goes somewhere else, everything else is speculation at the moment, but he’s suited to any league and could play anywhere.”
Derby’s 77-times capped midfielder Joe Ledley and Bristol Rovers defender Tom Lockyer have dropped out of the squad which beat the Republic 4-1 and lost to Denmark 2-0 last month in Wales’ opening Nations League games.
The injured pair are replaced by Leicester’s George Thomas and Jazz Richards, of Cardiff.
On the October double-header, Giggs added: “Spain is a fantastic game to be involved in, but five days later we have the Nations League in which there’s obviously points available.
“It’s getting the balance right for the game against the Republic and for one everyone will want to be involved in.
“The more important game is against the Republic, but I have to recognise all the players will want to be involved in what is a fantastic occasion.”
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