Toshack ready for Ramsey absence

Toshack: Ramsey blow

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Wales manager John Toshack admits he will have to forget about Aaron Ramsey as he looks to prepare for Euro 2012 qualifying.

Midfielder Ramsey faces at least six months on the sidelines after suffering a broken leg whilst playing for Arsenal against Stoke last weekend.

Potters defender Ryan Shawcross was sent off for the challenge which caused the injury, as Arsenal players looked on helplessly while Ramsey was stretchered into an ambulance.

Although Wales' next competitive game is not until September, the chances of Ramsey being back in time to take part are extremely unlikely.

And Toshack, who saw his side lose 1-0 to Sweden on Wednesday, is preparing himself for the midfielder's absence.

"The medical people seem to think it could be six months," he said.

"If it is, terrific, but I think we have got to plan without Aaron at the moment.

"If he does come back and we do have him it will be a bonus but we don't want to rush him, he has just got to take his time.

"He is in the right place, the people at Arsenal are pretty good.

"They have had a few of this type of injury before this one.

"For us, Arsenal and the boy himself it is one of those sad things and we have just got to get on with it really."

Aston Villa defender James Collins, who captained the Welsh side at the Liberty Stadium against the Swedes, also admitted Ramsey's loss is a blow.

He said: "Any team would miss Aaron Ramsey - he is going to be a world-class player.

"But it gives a chance for someone else to come in and stake their claim."