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Wales Still Sweating on Fitness of Captain Ben Davies For Crunch World Cup Ties

Wales' Ben Davies. Pic. Alamy

Wales' Ben Davies. Pic. Alamy

Wales manager Craig Bellamy has revealed he is monitoring the fitness of captain Ben Davies ahead of this week’s decisive World Cup qualifiers.

The concerns exist because doubts remain over the defender’s availability for the games against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia following his lack of recent action.

The Tottenham skipper has been sidelined since Wales’ 2–0 defeat to Belgium on 13 October, missing several club matches with a hamstring problem. 

His absence has raised concerns just as Bellamy’s men prepare for two must-win fixtures to keep their World Cup hopes alive.

Bellamy remains hopeful that Davies, 32, can recover in time, but confirmed that the situation is being closely tracked.

“We’re still monitoring Ben. We’re fully aware of what’s going on with him,” said Bellamy. 

“I know he hasn’t played during this period for Spurs but he didn’t play in the periods before much.

“Our games have come quite quick. If it had been a longer period I would definitely have been more concerned, but within three or four weeks he’s able to maintain his fitness.

“I don’t see that being too big a problem. Our physios speak on a regular basis and I speak to Ben quite a lot, so fingers crossed we’re able to get to something.”

Wales manager Craig Bellamy. Pic: Alamy

Davies’ recovery will be key to Wales’ defensive stability as they aim to finish second in their qualifying group behind Belgium. 

Harry Wilson is already ruled out of the trip to Liechtenstein through suspension, further stretching Bellamy’s options.

Despite those worries, Bellamy remains upbeat, particularly when discussing Kieffer Moore, whose form for Wrexham and Wales has been one of the standout stories of the campaign.

The 33-year-old striker has fired Wrexham up the Championship table with nine league goals and netted the winner in Wales’ crucial victory in Kazakhstan. 

READ MORE: Ben Davies Vows Wales Will Be Very Different From World Cup Humbling Against England

His manager believes Moore’s dedication to his physical conditioning could help him remain a key figure well into the next cycle.

“He’s someone who really looks after himself and is so impressive when you look at him,” Bellamy said. 

“You see the Battle of Troy and movies like that, they send people like him in.

“They don’t send people like me. If he was coming at me I’m not sure I’m holding my line.

“Kieffer was someone I’d watched but I was shocked how big, lean and ripped he is – and he’s really mobile for a player of his size.

“When a player looks after themselves that well, I see him being able to play for a few more years.

“If he keeps looking after himself the way he does physically. I definitely see that (Euro 2028) as a possibility.”

READ MORE: Ben Davies Fully Focused On Wales Duty Amid Uncertain Club Future At Spurs

Moore has credited his longevity to a strict training regime that includes regular gym work and “getting as much sleep as possible.” 

Bellamy’s admiration for his striker’s professionalism mirrors the manager’s own approach as Wales prepare for two pivotal fixtures that will shape their path to the 2026 World Cup — with or without their captain at the heart of defence.

READ MORE: Ben Davies Backs Ange Postecoglou And Savours Spurs’ Long-Awaited European Glory

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