CARDIFF: Gareth Bale has been ruled out of Wales’ crucial final two World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and the Republic of Ireland.
Bale’s fitness has been a source of concern for Wales since he suffered a calf muscle strain against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last week.
The 28-year-old missed Real Madrid’s LaLiga clash with Espanyol on Sunday night but reported to the Wales camp the following morning.
Bale attended the FAW Awards on Monday night but will not be fit enough to play in the two qualifiers which will determine Wales’ World Cup ambitions.
Wales currently sit second in Group D, four points behind Serbia but only one clear of Ireland.
Bale’s absence could open the door for Liverpool teenager Ben Woodburn to make his first Wales start.
The 17-year-old made a dramatic introduction last month when he scored the winner within five minutes of coming on as a second-half substitute against Austria.
Three days later Woodburn made another huge impact from the bench when he set up the first goal in Wales’ 2-0 win in Moldova.
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