Aaron Ramsey named in Wales squad for crunch Euro 2024 play-off
AARON RAMSEY will be given every chance to make Wales’ Euro 2024 play-off semi-final next week as he recovers from a calf injury.
The Dragons captain, 33, has been named in Robert Page’s squad for the Finland clash in Cardiff next Thursday.
Cardiff boss Erol Bulut last month ruled the ex-Arsenal and Juventus star out for between four and six weeks.
But Bluebirds midfielder Ramsey stepped up his fitness from the calf injury this week and was included in Page’s 28-man squad named in the Welsh capital on Wednesday morning.
SunSport revealed Ramsey had not given up on his Euro dream and Page says 84-cap Ramsey is not a risk even if he plays no part in Saturday’s South Wales derby against Swansea.
The Dragons manager believes his team have more strength in depth so the ex-Arsenal and Juventus star, who has played just twice following five months out with a knee injury, is not relied upon.
Page said: “It’s not been ideal for Aaron but sometimes injuries change from the first instance.
“They can change overnight, there can be a difference in diagnosis.
“If there’s a chance of having him involved in the squad I’m going to take it and name him.
“The last two camps we’ve had him in and around the squad, even though he’s not been able to play a part. To have someone of his stature around the players is beneficial for us.
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“Irrespective of what happens at the weekend, he’s on the grass this week.
“His rehab back to full fitness has gone to plan and we’ll have eyes on him every day. I don’t see it as a risk. There’s nothing to lose.
“I’m happy to take him on the back of no minutes. If he has the potential to give us some minutes off the bench we will use him. He still has a lot to offer.”
Gareth Bale had fitness issues at the 2022 World Cup and struggled to make an impact.
But Page claims Ramsey’s inclusion is not a gamble as Wales meet up on Sunday in pursuit of a third successive Euros finals.
Page added: “When you have somebody of Aaron’s quality, we’ll get him on camp and assess him.
“We’ve already had conversations with him and he knows his body.
“Our medical team are based in Hensol where Cardiff train, that’s the luxury we’ve had of being in the same vicinity.
“Times have changed. We’re not where we were two or three years ago.
“We don’t have to rely on Aaron as much as we did a couple of years back along with the Gareth Bales of this world.
“Back then it would have been devastating not to have him in the squad.
“You look at the quality of players we’ve got. The strength in depth we’ve got – there’s a good selection headache for me to have.”
Page’s Wales are just two wins away from joining England and Scotland at the finals in Germany.
If Wales beat the Finns then they will face a final showdown against either Poland or Estonia in the Welsh capital on March 26.
Leeds duo Ethan Ampadu, 23, and Dan James, 26, are in line to win their 50th caps against Finland at the Cardiff City Stadium.
Wales squad
Goalkeepers: Hennessey, Ward, Davies, King
Defenders: Davies, Rodon, Mepham, Cabango, Low, Williams, Roberts, DaSilva
Midfielders: Ramsey, Ampadu, J James, Wilson, Sheehan, Levitt, Savage, Burns
Forwards: Johnson, Moore, D James, Brooks, Broadhead, Matondo, Cullen, Colwill