World Cup

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World Cup | Qualifiers

Mar 26, 2013 at 7.45pm UK

Wales
1-2
Croatia

Chris Coleman: 'I won't risk Gareth Bale'

By Liam Power, Reporter | 24 March 2013

Wales manager Chris Coleman insists that he will not risk Gareth Bale's long-term fitness for Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Croatia.

Wales manager Chris Coleman has insisted that he has no intention of taking a risk on Gareth Bale against Croatia on Tuesday.

Bale was forced off after 45 minutes of Friday's 2-1 win over Scotland after struggling with illness and an ankle problem during training.

Coleman admitted that he is not sure if the Tottenham Hotspur winger will be available to face Croatia in the crucial World Cup qualifier at this stage.

He told The Telegraph: "I don't know if he will be OK. I'm not sitting on the fence, but the next 24 hours will be crucial.

"We only had Gareth for 45 minutes [in Glasgow], albeit a jaded Gareth Bale. He's been ill and had a knock on his ankle, but he wanted to play. He said he felt fine so that's why we started him.

"All we can do is wrap him up in cotton wool. If he is not ready, then we can't risk him. We won't because we have to be fair to Tottenham. They never stand in his way and he always comes along. Gareth likes to come, but we have to look after him."

Bale used Twitter earlier this weekend to inform his followers that he should be available to play against Croatia.

Wales are already without midfielder Aaron Ramsey for Tuesday's game at the Liberty Stadium through suspension.