UK: 18+ USA: 21+ | Begambleaware.org | T&Cs apply | Play Responsibly
Wales captain Gareth Bale has declared himself “100% fit and ready to go” for the 2022 World Cup. The forward is set to lead his country at their first World Cup since 1958.
Bale’s injury struggles have been well-documented over the years. But any fears Wales fans had have now been diminished after the attacker’s self-declaration.
Wales captain “fully fit and ready to go”
Contents
Bale has made just 14 appearances for American side Los Angeles Football Club (LAFC) since his summer move there. He has featured for just short of 400 minutes in all competitions for the MLS side.
And at international level, he featured for just 222 minutes in Wales’ recent UEFA Nations League campaign. That was out of a possible total of 540.
Bale played in five of the six matches, with his only 90-minute appearance coming in the final game against Poland. But despite the lack of playing time, the Wales skipper insists he is fully fit ahead of the World Cup, as reported by France24.
Asked if he could play all three matches in the group stages, Bale replied: “Yeah, no problem.
“I’m fully fit and ready to go. If I need to play three 90s, I’ll play three 90s.
“It’s been difficult, mentally more than anything. I guess for everybody, the last three or four weeks, it’s been difficult, even hearing stories of players going down and knowing they’re going to miss the World Cup.”
Bale expecting tough test in Qatar
Wales have been handed a tough test in Qatar. They meet England, Iran and the USA in Group B. As noted by Bale, it may just be the most difficult group in the entire competition given the current men’s world rankings.
“On paper we have the hardest group in the World Cup, and we’re just doing the best planning possible to give us the best chance of winning,” said Bale.
World rankings of course do not mean everything in international football, but the fact that all four teams in the group are in the top 20 shows just how strong they have been in recent years.
England are the highest-ranked team in Group B in fifth, with the USA and Iran sitting in 16th and 20th respectively. Wales are currently in 19th.
Wales open their World Cup with a game against the USA on November 21, followed by meetings with Iran and the Three Lions on November 25 and 29 respectively.
Bale closing in on another Wales record
Former Tottenham Hotspur and Real Madrid forward Bale already boasts one major record for Wales. He is his country’s all-time top goalscorer with 40 goals.
He does, however, sit one behind Chris Gunter in the all-time appearances list. The defender has 109 Wales appearances to his name, with Bale on 108.
Gunter, who is playing his club football in League Two with AFC Wimbledon, made the World Cup squad alongside Bale. But he looks set for a spot on the bench in Qatar.
It means Bale will more than likely lead Wales’ all-time leading appearances list come the end of the tournament.
Subscribe to Punditfeed on Google News for all the latest updates from the world of sports!