Wales manager Craig Bellamy has spoken of his pride in Aaron Ramsey in a supportive message to his injury-stricken captain.
Bellamy was forced to leave Ramsey out of his first squad for the upcoming World Cup qualification campaign and shelve an anticipated comeback for the midfielder.
Another hamstring injury to the 34-year-old - suffered on Tuesday night playing for Cardiff City against Luton Town - means Ramsey was absent from the 26-man senior national squad named on Wednesday.
It’s a huge blow for Ramsey, who last played for Wales back in September when he was injured playing in Montenegro and must raise doubts over his chances of being part of Wales’ qualification campaign this summer.
“I spoke to him this morning,” said Bellamy, who named uncapped youngster Kai Andrews in his injury-depleted squad for this month’s qualifiers against Kazakhstan and North Macedonia.
“It’s a tough one for him. I’ve got to be honest. Personally, football wise and from a selfish capacity in the Wales job, I don’t really care.
“Him as the person is more important. I’ve known him since he was five. To watch his hard work and it’s not just this period - throughout his career - the consistency he’s been able to show, the elite level he’s been able to play at, the person he is. I care about that more.
“The extent of the injury we don’t know. We’ll find out later.”
Ramsey missed five months of the season after his previous hamstring problem and looked devastated when he was forced off late on during the defeat to Luton.
The former Arsenal star was only six games into his comeback and has managed only 23 matches since rejoining his boyhood club in 2023.
READ MORE: Aaron Ramsey Finally on Course for Cardiff City Comeback
His absence is another major blow for Wales, who were already without key figures such as Leeds United captain Ethan Ampadu and Fulham’s creative force Harry Wilson, both sidelined through injury.
Additionally, Ipswich Town winger Wes Burns and Sheffield United left-back Rhys Norrington-Davies will also miss out, although Swansea City midfielder Ollie Cooper is available again after recovering from injury.
Bellamy revealed Ramsey apologised for his latest withdrawal, but that brought a swift rebuke from his manager and former Wales teammate.
“I think he tried to be a little apologetic to me,” added Bellamy.
“The first thought in my head was, ‘don’t you ever apologise to me’. I couldn't be more proud of him as a person.
“His playing career has been incredible. What he’s done for us as a country, club football and young people in Wales, and beyond. I'm proud to know him. For me, it’s about him as a person. That’s all I care about.”
Without Ramsey, Bellamy has turned to a player who was only two years old when the injured skipper made his international debut in 2008.
The 18-year-old midfielder Andrews has earned a call up and there is also recall for Tom Lawrence.
Andrews, who has previously featured for Wales’ Under-19 side, is currently on loan at Motherwell from Coventry City.
Despite making just three league starts for the Scottish Premiership outfit since arriving in January, he caught the eye with an impressive 90-minute performance in their recent victory over Rangers.
Lawrence, meanwhile, returns to the international fold for the first time under Bellamy, having last represented Wales in March 2021.
Wales kick off their 2026 World Cup qualifying campaign with a home fixture against Kazakhstan on Saturday, 22 March, before heading to North Macedonia three days later.
The group winners from each of UEFA’s 12 qualification pools will secure an automatic place at the tournament, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico. The second-placed teams will enter the play-offs.
Since taking charge, Bellamy has overseen an unbeaten run, guiding Wales to promotion to the Nations League’s top tier with three wins and three draws in 2024.
Winning their Nations League group has also virtually guaranteed Wales at least a play-off spot for World Cup qualification.
