Ben Davies Dodges The Knife To Boost Wales’ Euro Bid

Ben Davies has defied predictions and boosted Wales’ Euro qualification hopes by joining up with the squad for the key upcoming matches against Croatia and Hungary.

The Tottenham defender was originally ruled out because of a groin injury.

Wales manager Ryan Giggs left Davies out of his squad for the two games last week, saying the left-back had been troubled by the injury throughout the season.

It had been expected the 26-year-old would undergo surgery after Spurs’ involvement in the Champions League final against Liverpool on Saturday to correct the problem.

But a Football Association of Wales statement on Tuesday morning said: “Ben Davies has joined up with the Wales squad this morning as his scheduled treatment has been postponed.”

Davies’ availability is a boost for a Wales squad who beat Slovakia in March to get their Euro 2020 campaign off to a winning start.

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But it remains to be seen whether two matches in four days is too much for Davies and whether he features in the second game against Hungary in Budapest.

Exciting Swansea winger Daniel James has also joined up with the squad following the death of his father Kevan.

James, who has been strongly linked with a £15million summer move to Manchester United, missed Wales’ training camp in Portugal last week after being granted compassionate leave.

Giggs confirmed last Wednesday that James could still miss the Euro 2020 double-header with funeral details yet to be arranged, but the 21-year-old who scored the winner against Slovakia will now be a part of those games.

For me, football comes second in these situations and it’s a case of whatever Dan chooses,” Giggs said.

“But as a manager, it’s great for me to have him, considering what he’s done in the last six months.”