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James Collins pulls out of Wales squad ahead of World Cup Qualifier

CARDIFF, WALES - AUGUST 31:  Wales players Gareth Bale (l) Ashley Williams, Joe Allen and James Collins (r) in action during Wales training ahead of their
Image: Wales confirm defender James Collins (right) will miss their game against Serbia through injury

West Ham defender James Collins has withdrawn from the Wales squad ahead of Saturday's World Cup Qualifier against Serbia.

The 33-year-old is thought to have suffered a calf strain and leaves manager Chris Coleman with a defensive headache with Tottenham's Ben Davies also ruled out of the game in Cardiff.

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The Hammers centre-back would have been favourite to replace Davies in Wales' three-man defence but pulled out of the squad when they met on Monday night.

Collins, who has won 50 caps for his country, has been replaced in the squad by MK Dons defender Joe Walsh. 

'Tadic is Serbia's Bale'
'Tadic is Serbia's Bale'

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Tottenham's Davies picked up a knock in the Champions League last week and Bristol City's Adam Matthews has stepped up in his absence.

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Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey both missed training on Tuesday with the Wales squad before their World Cup Qualifier against Serbia but are not injury doubts

Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey both missed training on Tuesday but are not injury doubts for the game against Serbia.

Wales sit third in Group D of World Cup European qualifying after picking up five points from their opening three games.

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Wales have lost their two previous games against Serbia, including being on the end of a 6-1 thrashing in September 2012.

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