By Paul Jones
Wales captain Aaron Ramsey is to seek specialist advice after suffering a knee injury in training which looks set to rule him out of their upcoming Euro 2024 qualifiers.
The 32-year-old said on Instagram he was “absolutely gutted” after suffering the injury only months after returning to lead his boyhood club Cardiff City, having started six of their eight Championship games and scored three goals.
Manager Erol Bulut said on Thursday he expected the midfielder to miss at least three weeks of game time – which would rule him out of both of Wales’ crucial Euro 2024 qualifiers against Gibraltar and Croatia – and potentially more if he requires surgery.
https://twitter.com/BBCSportWales/status/1707387173740085574?s=20
The fear is that Ramsey may have suffered a ruptured tendon, which could rule him out for a number of months.
Bulut said: “With Aaron Ramsey, two days ago, in training, he got an injury.
I have the report from our medical department that he will not be available to us for three weeks.
“Something with his tendon in his knee, the same knee he had an operation many years ago. Whether it’s a rupture or not, there will be a final check to see what the situation is.
“I hope we can have him back after the international break. But we are waiting for news on that.
“It was a turn or a change of direction to make a run. He was feeling pain behind his knee. They scanned and we are still waiting.
“It might be a rupture of a tendon. His right knee. I hope it’s not an operation, we have to avoid an operation and we will try to get it healed without an operation.”
Boss Erol Bulut has challenged his Cardiff City players to “show themselves” and cover for the injured Aaron Ramsey over the next few weeks ⚽#BBCFootball pic.twitter.com/euyZf1TnmX
— BBC Sport Wales (@BBCSportWales) September 28, 2023
Ramsey himself expressed his dismay via social media in an Instagram story to his five million followers.
“Absolutely gutted to say that last week I picked up an injury in training,” he wrote.
“I will be seeking the specialist advice on next steps. I’m determined to get back and help the team as quickly as I can.”
Ramsey has been increasingly influential for the Bluebirds after a quiet start in his opening couple of matches.
The former Arsenal, Juventus and Nice star has scored goals against Leicester City, Ipswich Town and Swansea City, plus another for Wales in their Euro 2024 qualifier in Latvia.
https://twitter.com/DiffCentralHQ/status/1707395822877352054?s=20
Bulut added: “It’s a big blow. I’m gutted for him, personally. He’s been brilliant for us and I just hope he’s back as quickly as possible. Hopefully other people step up now.
“He has contributed goals and assists, that’s massive. We didn’t score enough goals last year and we have addressed it this year and he’s been a part of it with his creative output.
“He also works hard and has a great engine. He is a great player and is someone we’ll miss for sure.
“The better players, sometimes lads will make runs knowing that they will get the ball and it makes you a bit quicker. We are starting to see that from everyone. Rambo is a massive.”
The first match Ramsey will be absent for is Cardiff’s home game against Rotherham on Saturday.
The Millers are currently bottom but one of the Championship, having won just once in their opening eight matches.
Major Cardiff & Wales injury update. Aaron Ramsey out with a knee injury. Bulut hopes it won't need surgery but awaiting results of a scan before that call can be made.
Initial prognosis is three weeks, which puts him in a race against time for Croatia. https://t.co/HoZEwrG6JU
— Glen Williams (@GlenWilliams12) September 28, 2023
