Captain Aaron Ramsey Makes Surprise Return for Wales Euro 2024 Play-offs
Wales’ hopes for the Euro 2024 play-offs have received a significant boost with the surprise inclusion of captain Aaron Ramsey in the squad. Despite recent injury issues, the 33-year-old midfielder has made a quicker than expected recovery and has been named in the 28-man squad by Wales boss Rob Page.
Ramsey has been limited to just two appearances for his club side Cardiff City since suffering a knee injury in September. A calf strain further hampered his recovery, leading to initial doubts about his availability for the play-offs. However, he has defied expectations and is now set to feature in Wales’ semi-final clash against Finland at Cardiff City Stadium on Thursday, 21 March.
The return of Ramsey is particularly significant for Wales, as he had previously missed the last group qualifiers in October and November. Cardiff City boss Erol Bulut initially ruled him out of the play-offs, but Page was determined to include the experienced midfielder if there was even a slight chance of his involvement.
“It’s not been ideal for Aaron, he’s had a few setbacks but if there was a chance of having him in the squad I was going to take it,” Page said. “He’s back on the grass and his rehab has gone to plan. To have someone of his stature involved is beneficial for us.”
Page and the Wales coaching staff have been closely monitoring Ramsey’s fitness at their training base shared with Cardiff City. They are keen to assess how involved he can be in the play-offs and are prepared to use him as a bit-part player or bring him off the bench if necessary.
“We have eyes on him every day,” Page revealed. “If it’s a bit-part of the game we can use him for, we will take it. If he has the potential to give us some minutes off the bench we will use him. Aaron knows his body and knows exactly what he needs to do to get himself fit.”
Ramsey’s return is not the only positive news for Wales. Leeds United duo Ethan Ampadu and Daniel James are also set to reach a milestone in their international careers, as they will both earn their 50th Wales caps if selected to face Finland. Additionally, Page has recalled two Scotland-based midfielders in Rabbi Matondo of Rangers and Dylan Levitt of Hibernian.
The squad also features some young talents who have made the step up from under-21 duty. Joe Low, Rubin Colwill, and Charlie Savage, son of former Wales and Manchester United midfielder Robbie Savage, have all been included. Colwill’s selection marks his return to the squad since the 2022 World Cup.
Page expressed his confidence in the current state of the Wales squad, highlighting the increased game time that several players have been receiving for their clubs. “All the outfield players are getting minutes, so we are in a far healthier position than we have been in,” he stated. “At the top of the pitch, we’ve got good problems. There are some real selection headaches for me, and it’s a good problem to have.”
Unfortunately, there are a few notable absences from the squad due to injury. Niall Huggins, Joe Morrell, and Tom Bradshaw will miss out, while Luton Town captain Tom Lockyer continues his recovery from a cardiac arrest suffered during a Premier League match in December.
Overall, with the surprise return of Aaron Ramsey and a squad that is in good form, Wales is optimistic about their chances in the Euro 2024 play-offs. The team will be looking to secure victory against Finland and potentially book their place in this summer’s European Championship.