Skip to content

Ashley Williams gives Wales huge boost by returning to training early

Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player

Ashley Williams has trained with Wales just a few days after injuring his shoulder in the 1-0 win against Northern Ireland

Captain Ashley Williams has given Wales a massive boost by returning to training ahead of schedule.

Williams' left arm was in a sling after Saturday's 1-0 victory over Northern Ireland in the last 16 of Euro 2016, and he initially appeared to be a doubt for Friday's quarter-final with Belgium.

Scans confirmed though that he had suffered bruising rather than a dislocation.

Boss Chris Coleman revealed on Monday that Williams would be fit to play against the Belgians but felt the earliest they might see him in training would be Wednesday.

Referee Martin Atkinson (right) with Wales' Ashley Williams after picking up a injury during the round of 16 match at the Parc de Princes, Paris.
Image: Referee Martin Atkinson with Wales' Williams after his injury against Northern Ireland

But the Swansea centre-back trained with all the other 22 players on Tuesday.

Williams was outstanding as Wales cut an unexpected path through a pool which included England, Russia and Slovakia, finishing top and earning a tie with Michael O'Neill's men.

Referee Martin Atkinson (right) with Wales' Ashley Williams after picking up a injury during the round of 16 match at the Parc de Princes, Paris.
Image: Referee Martin Atkinson with Wales' Williams after his injury against Northern Ireland

They faced Belgium in qualifying, and did not concede against Marc Wilmots' men in either match. They drew 0-0 away and beat the Belgians 1-0 at home.

Also See:

Play the video at the top of the page to watch Williams return to training.

Around Sky