Aaron Ramsey and Gareth Bale have both been included in the Wales squad for the country’s final tilt at Euro 2020 qualification – despite persistent doubts over the pair’s fitness.
Juventus midfielder Ramsey has been named by manager Ryan Giggs in the group for matches against Azerbaijan and Hungary after recovering from a thigh problem.
Ramsey, who is yet to feature in Wales’ qualifying campaign because of injury, has made two substitute appearances for Juventus in the past week.
Real Madrid star Bale has not played since scoring in Wales’ 1-1 draw with Croatia on October 13 because of a calf injury and must be considered a doubt for both games.
The 30-year-old’s future at Real Madrid has been under intense scrutiny in recent weeks, including on Monday when reports linked him with Manchester City.
Real manager Zinedine Zidane said last week that Bale is ‘back out on the pitch working to get fit again’, but he is unlikely to be involved in their Champions League tie with Galatasaray on Wednesday.
Bournemouth’s Chris Mepham returns after injury and fellow defenders James Lawrence and Regan Poole are also included, as well as young Manchester United midfielder Dylan Levitt.
Swansea City defender Joe Rodon and Charlton midfielder Jonny Williams are unavailable after undergoing respective ankle and knee surgery last month.
Long-term absentee David Brooks remains out, while Joe Allen is named in the squad despite being suspended for the trip to Azerbaijan on November 16.
The Stoke midfielder will return for the Hungary game in Cardiff three days later, with Wales needing to win their final two games to be in with a chance of qualifying for next summer’s finals.
Wales squad:
Hennessey, Ward, A Davies, Gunter, A Williams, B Davies, Taylor, C Roberts, Ampadu, Mepham, Lockyer, J Lawrence, Poole, Ramsey, Allen, Wilson, Smith, Levitt, James, Vaulks, Morrell, Bale, Vokes, T Lawrence, T Roberts, Matondo, Moore.
