By Gareth James
Aaron Ramsey’s future at Cardiff City looks uncertain after manager Omer Riza admitted injuries were undermining his Wales star.
Riza has revealed that Ramsey’s succession of injuries have delayed his comeback plans because they have torpedoed his schedule.
The 34-year-old – who has not played for four months – has not even got close to a return because the injuries have accumulated, says Riza.
Captain Aaron Ramsey could be struggling to be back in time for Wales’ opening World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan on 22 March #BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/z77m9Puaz9
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) January 2, 2025
It will be March at the earliest before Ramsey make a re-appearance for the Bluebirds, meaning he would only have a few weeks to convince the club he is worth another contract.
“Aaron is still rehabbing,” said Riza.
“His process is a bit slower because he’s picked up these injuries when he hasn’t been under loads of pressure in respect of really pushing it,” added the Bluebirds boss.
“He’s just been doing his rehab and I think it might be March time for Aaron.”
A 1-1 home draw with Coventry City wasn’t enough to stop the Bluebirds from dropping to 23rd in the Championship table on New year’s Day and Riza needs all his firepower available to avoid the dreaded drop.
Cardiff haven’t been in the third tier of English football since the 2003-04 season, but currently find themselves deep in the bottom three with Plymouth and Hull City.
Ramsey has been missing from action since he sustained a hamstring injury during Wales’ 2-1 Nations League win in Montenegro in September.
When Aaron Ramsey hit this effort, the ball only had one destination. The top corner pic.twitter.com/BeZBpTouDZ
— Former Footballers (@FinishedPlayers) December 27, 2024
He was initially thought to be ruled out for two months, but now it looks like stretching to seven.
Having missed the last 20 league games he is now likely to be out for at least another 10, as well as the FA Cup trip to high-flying Sheffield United.
Wales launch their latest Wold Cup qualifying campaign in March with games against Kazahkstan in the Welsh capital on 22 March and then a trip to Macedonia three days later. Ramsey has missed the last four Wales games under Craig Bellamy.
Injuries have plagued Ramsey ever since he returned to his home town club in the summer of 2023.
Cardiff City injury list:
❌Aaron Ramsey
❌Isaak Davies
❌David Turnbull
❌Ollie Tanner
❌Perry Ng
❌Joe Ralls
❌Callum O’Dowda
❌Chris Willock
❌Michael Reindorf
❌Kion Etete *
❌Ryotaro Tsunoda ** Not ready to play. #CardiffCity pic.twitter.com/g8dGvWANhi
— ccfcinsider (@ccfcinsiderr) December 21, 2024
He managed a mere 13 appearances for his club last season and was involved in four this campaign before being ruled out once again.
His initial two-year deal is up this summer and, having turned 34 on Boxing Day, he may not get another at theCardiff City Stadium unless he can return to play this season.
Riza has been plagued by injuries of late and is still awaiting the return of former Celtic and Scotland midfielder David Turnbull. He has been out of action since 30 November.
“Initially it was looking like he could be out to the end of the season. It’s still quite long but he’s had the operation and he’s walking around,” said Riza of Turnbull..
“He’s not feeling any pain so once that happens he can progress with his strength work and rehab work. Hopefully, it will be March or April, but there is potential he could feature before the end of the season.”
The Bluebirds head to Middlesbrough on Saturday for another tough game in the Championship. Michael Carrick’s side were 2-0 winners in Cardiff back in August.
