Gareth Bale could be fit for a Wales return should they make the World Cup play-offs next month.
Real Madrid have confirmed that the injury which has left Bale sidelined for the two upcoming qualifiers against Georgia and the Republic of Ireland is not as serious as first feared.
The 28-year-old injured his calf muscle against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last Tuesday and missed Madrid’s 2-0 win over Espanyol.
But after examining the player, Real Madrid said in a statement he has “swelling but no tear in the soleus muscle of his left leg” and that his “recovery will be monitored”.
Should Wales gain two victories from their remaining Group D fixtures, they are likely to be involved in play-off matches next month.
The two-legged ties are set for November 9-11 and 12-14 and the four winners from these ties then advance to Russia for the finals next summer.
Bale was withdrawn from the Wales squad after a scan on the injured calf on Monday, dealing a major blow to hopes of qualification given his influence over recent years.
Wales have won only eight of the 33 games Bale has missed since making his debut in 2006, while Wales have won none of the last 10 when the forward has been absent.
Bale was ruled out following talks between the FAW and Madrid with no timescale given on when he might be fit to resume playing. In his absence, Barnsley striker Tom Bradshaw was called up to manager Chris Coleman’s squad.
Bale has scored 26 goals in his 68 Wales appearances and played a huge role in the run to the Euro 2016 semi-finals last summer.
But his absence could open the door for Liverpool teenager Ben Woodburn to make his first Wales start.
The 17-year-old made a dramatic debut last month, when he scored the winner within five minutes of coming on as a second-half substitute against Austria.
Wales are currently second in qualifying Group D and two wins are likely to guarantee them at least a place in next month’s play-offs.
But they are only a point clear of third-placed Republic of Ireland, who they face in a potentially pivotal showdown on Monday night.
Serbia need one win from games away to Austria and home to Georgia to ensure top spot.
That would leave Wales, Ireland and Austria scrapping over second place. But Coleman’s side have drawn five qualifiers so far and sit bottom of the second-place table that determines who will make the play-offs.
Only eight of those nine second-placed teams make the play-offs, but positions are likely to change depending on results in the final two games.
