Wales will not risk Gareth Bale for their UEFA Nations League match against Poland, head coach Rob Page has confirmed.
The Real Madrid man who was an unused substitute in Madrid’s 1-0 win over Liverpool in the Champions League final is back in Wales but will not feature in his side’s opening Nations League game.
He endured a tough spell in the Spanish capital after falling out with Real Madrid fans due to his involvement with the national team and his perceived lack of commitment to Madrid. But last Sunday, he was cheered by fans as Los Blancos paraded their trophies for the season.
Back in Cardiff, Bale will be on the sidelines for his country’s Nations League clash with Poland on Wednesday as he rests ahead of Sunday’s crunch World Cup play-off final with either Scotland or Ukraine.
Speaking about Bale ahead of the game, Wales boss Rob Page said;
“I thought they showed class and rightly so for what he’s achieved for that football club,’ said Wales manager Rob Page of the reception for Bale from Real’s fans.
“You look back to what he’s done – scoring winners in Champions League finals and in the manner in which he’s done it.
“What an achievement for him personally and what that team has achieved is phenomenal. He deserves all the plaudits and is in good spirits as he always is.
“He wanted to be with the squad as soon as possible. He’s as humble as ever. He’s met up with the group, and he’s been first class right away.’
Bale, Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen are all set to sit out the Poland game.
