Wales without captain Ramsey for World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan

Wales will be without captain Aaron Ramsey for their upcoming World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan in Astana, Sport360NG reports.

The 34-year-old midfielder, who recently joined Pumas UNAM, returned to action last week after nearly six months out with a hamstring problem but has not been included in Craig Bellamy’s 25-man squad. Ramsey last featured in March while playing for Cardiff City against Luton Town.

Ethan Ampadu, Leeds United’s skipper, is also sidelined after sustaining a knee injury during their Premier League win over Everton earlier this month.

Cardiff City’s Rubin Colwill, despite an eye-catching start to the season in League One and the EFL Cup, has not been selected. However, his club colleagues Dylan Lawlor and Ronan Kpakio are among three uncapped players called up, joined by Kai Andrews of Coventry City.

For the first time since 2013, Wrexham are represented in the senior Wales squad. New signings Danny Ward, Nathan Broadhead and Kieffer Moore have all earned a place.

Wales currently sit second in Group J, one point adrift of leaders North Macedonia, who beat Kazakhstan earlier in the campaign. Belgium trail Bellamy’s side by three points but have played two games fewer.

Following the trip to Astana, Wales return home for a friendly against Canada on 9 September at Swansea.com Stadium, their first fixture at the ground since November 2020, when they drew 0-0 with the USA behind closed doors. The national team last played there in front of supporters in March 2013, when then-forward Bellamy lined up against Croatia.

Venue: Astana Arena, Astana
Date: Thursday, 4 September | Kick-off: 15:00 BST

Wales squad in full

Goalkeepers: Karl Darlow (Leeds United), Adam Davies (Sheffield United), Danny Ward (Wrexham)
Defenders: Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Jay Dasilva (Coventry City), Ben Davies (Tottenham), Ronan Kpakio (Cardiff City), Dylan Lawlor (Cardiff City), Chris Mepham (Bournemouth), Joe Rodon (Leeds United), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest)
Midfielders: Kai Andrews (Coventry City), David Brooks (Bournemouth), Charlie Crew (Doncaster Rovers, loan from Leeds United), Jordan James (Stade Rennais), Josh Sheehan (Bolton), Sorba Thomas (Stoke City), Harry Wilson (Fulham)
Forwards: Nathan Broadhead (Wrexham), Liam Cullen (Swansea City), Mark Harris (Oxford United), Lewis Koumas (Birmingham City, loan from Liverpool), Daniel James (Leeds United), Brennan Johnson (Tottenham), Kieffer Moore (Wrexham)