In this Wednesday, July 6, 2016 file photo, Wales's Gareth Bale acknowledges the fans at the end of their Euro 2016 semifinal soccer match against Portugal. | AP 
Football

World Cup 2018 qualifiers: Gareth Bale ruled out of Wales' final two games

The 28-year-old forward missed Real Madrid's league game with Espanyol on Sunday but reported to the Wales camp the following morning.

From our online archive

CARDIFF: Wales says Gareth Bale has been ruled out of its final two World Cup qualifiers.

Bale's fitness has been a source of concern for Wales since sustaining a calf muscle strain against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last week.

The 28-year-old forward missed Real Madrid's league game with Espanyol on Sunday but reported to the Wales camp the following morning.

The Football Association of Wales confirmed on Tuesday that Bale would miss Friday's game in Georgia and Monday's meeting with Ireland.

Wales, which reached the 2016 European Championship semifinals, is second in Group D, four points behind Serbia and one ahead of Ireland. Only the group winners are guaranteed a place at the World Cup in Russia next year.

IRGC says Hormuz won't be open to US President's 'ridiculous displays' as Trump claims Iran sought ceasefire

India has two months of crude reserves, no fuel shortage: Centre

Punjab begins first-ever drug and socio-economic census; 28,000 employees to survey 65 lakh families

IPL 2026: Delhi Capitals opt to bowl against Lucknow Super Giants

About 5,98,000 passengers have returned to India amid West Asia conflict, informs Centre

SCROLL FOR NEXT