Gareth Bale included in Ryan Giggs' Wales squad
Injured Joe Ledley and Tom Lockyer are out
Thursday 4 October 2018 12:53, UK
Wales manager Ryan Giggs has named Gareth Bale in his 25-man squad for the friendly against Spain and UEFA Nations League game with the Republic of Ireland.
The Real Madrid winger has been declared fit to play after an injury scare to his thigh when he was forced off in a La Liga match against Atletico Madrid last weekend. He could come up against some of his Real Madrid team-mates when Wales play Spain on October 11 at the Principality Stadium.
Speaking about Bale, Giggs said: "He had a little groin strain. The scan has come back clear and he expects to play on the weekend."
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The squad also includes Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey, who was given special dispensation to miss his side's Europa League game with Qarabag on Thursday as his wife is expecting twins.
Giggs makes just two changes to his squad, replacing injured Joe Ledley and Tom Lockyer with Cardiff's Jazz Richards and Scunthorpe's George Thomas in midfield and defence.
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Thomas, 21, who received his first call-up to the senior Wales squad in May, could win his first competitive cap for his country when they meet the Republic of Ireland, after impressing in the Wales Under-21s team.
Wales will be hoping for a repeat of their previous meeting with the Republic of Ireland when they play away at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin on October 16, having beaten Martin O'Neill's side 4-1 last month.
Wales squad
Goalkeepers: Hennessey, Ward, Davies
Defenders: Williams, Chester, Davies, Gunter, Roberts, Mepham, Richards, Ampadu, Dummett, John
Midfielders: Allen, Ramsey, Brooks, Smith
Forwards: Bale, Woodburn, Wilson Lawrence, Vokes, Thomas, Roberts
