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Rob Page’s world cup preparations took a hit with injuries to his final probables at the tail end of October. There is no need for doom and gloom as the players in question are making their return to first-team action.
Both Rubin Colwill and Tyler Roberts suffered injuries and are in a race against time to prove their fitness. The latter seems to be on the precipice of return and is back in training.
Mark Hudson, Cardiff City’s interim manager, reflected that Colwill will be seen in competitive action soon, which should bolster his availability for the 2022 World Cup.
Page to decide on Colwill
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However, the Bluebirds manager admitted that while he is fast-tracking the player, the final decision will rest on Rob Page. As it stands, Colwill is available for selection and will be given minutes on the pitch in Cardiff’s upcoming games.
There is an understanding that the 20-year-old has taken more time than expected to recover but there is the belief that he will be travelling to his second major tournament with Wales.
Finally, it looks like Rubin Colwill will be in contention for Sunderland.
Cardiff have not been able to play their best front four, IMO, of O'Dowda, Colwill, Philogene & Robinson. One step closer now.
Also allays some World Cup worries #CCFC #Bluebirds https://t.co/2BAm6dUE2B
— Glen Williams (@GlenWilliams12) November 3, 2022
“The best thing is he’s on the grass and he will be available for that selection,” said Hudson.
“The minutes and the selection, that’s not down to me, but he will be available for selection and that’s all you can ask for really.
“Yes, it’s taken longer than we expected. We’ve been frustrated and Rubin, too, but he looked bright to be back on the grass. He looked like Rubin.”
Fit Roberts will not get minutes
Tyler Roberts is in a similar quandary at Loftus Road. The on-loan attacker from Leeds United suffered a calf injury in Queen’s Park Rangers’ defeat against Birmingham City.
Roberts Returns to Leeds.
Tyler Roberts has reportedly returned to Leeds for treatment on his injury🫠
Not a great loan for the Rs. #QPR pic.twitter.com/b5EqE6Kczl
— UpTheRs (@UpTheRs) November 4, 2022
If the Hoops’ medical team is to be believed, Roberts will be fit for the world cup. However, QPR boss Michael Beale admits he will not be lining up for the first team before the footballing extravaganza.
The 23-year-old will have to prove his fitness to Page in his bid to add to his 20 international caps in Qatar. His most recent appearance came as a late substitute in a 2-1 defeat against Belgium during the UEFA Nations League.
Injury not a concern as Page wants his strongest side
The young Welsh stars are alongside Joe Allen with injuries ahead of the world cup. A hamstring injury has kept the experienced midfielder on the sidelines.
Allen will not be featuring for Swansea in the lead-up to the competition but Page wants him beside him in Qatar. He highlighted the former Liverpool man’s importance to the Cymru squad and believes his presence will be key to their success.
These comments will be welcomed by the duo, who are in a similar position as Allen and have the backing of the former Port Vale and Northampton Town manager. Page will be announcing his 26-man travelling party on Wednesday, 9 November.
Wales have a tough task on their hands as they battle it out with the USA, England, and Iran in Group B. USA will announce their squad on the same day as the Cymru while Gareth Southgate will take a day more to finalize his Three Lions squad.
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