SM
Sunday, January 5
Upcoming predictions and previews

David Brooks a doubt for Wales' Euro 2020 qualifiers

:Headline: David Brooks a doubt for Wales' Euro 2020 qualifiers: ID:374160: from db_amp
The Bournemouth forward had ankle surgery after being injured in a pre-season friendly.

Wales fear David Brooks will miss the rest of their Euro 2020 qualifying campaign.

Bournemouth forward Brooks underwent surgery after rolling his ankle in a pre-season game at the end of July.

The 22-year-old was originally ruled out for three months and Wales hoped he would be fit for their final qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Hungary in mid-November.

But Wales boss Ryan Giggs says Brooks is unlikely to make those crucial dates.

"It's a difficult one because he was still in a boot in the last camp," Giggs said.

"It's looking around November. Now whether that's back playing or back actually training, I'm not too sure.

"Even if he's on the bench or fit for Bournemouth the week before it will be difficult to pick him because he's been out for so long."

Wales resume their Euro qualifying programme in Slovakia on Thursday before entertaining Group E leaders Croatia in Cardiff three days later.

Giggs' side are four points adrift of Croatia and three behind Slovakia and Hungary, with a game in hand on their rivals.

"We've always been playing catch-up, but we want to go into the last camp with it in our hands," said Giggs, whose side have six points from four games after last month's home win against Azerbaijan.

"At the start of the group you would think that 15 points would get you qualified.

"But it changes all the time because everybody keeps beating each other, and you just have to look after yourself.

"We could come out of these games with a couple of draws and still have a chance.

"But then it's out of your hands, and ideally, we'll win the games."

Giggs has had enviable attacking talent at his disposal with Gareth Bale, Daniel James, Harry Wilson and Brooks all having played their part in the campaign.

He also hopes to call on Aaron Ramsey for the first time in Euro 2020 qualifying this week as the Juventus midfielder is finally free of injury.

"You can't play them all (attackers)," Giggs said.

"A lot of the criticism was aimed at my style of play after Azerbaijan, but you don't know until the Sunday night who you're going to have and little time to work on stuff.

"You have to take it all into consideration because you can't play four wingers or three number tens.

"We're very blessed in those positions but it's finding the right balance."

amp_article__374160 : Database Data restored...  : 
last updated article - 2019-10-05 22:16:33:
html db last update - 2019-10-05 22:16:33 :

ex - 7200 : read : read cache amp html

Click here for more stories about David Brooks

Click here for more stories about Wales

Share this article now:
Recommended Next on SM
Premier League Table
TeamPWDLFAGDPTS
1Liverpool18143145172845
2Arsenal20117239182140
3Nottingham ForestNott'm Forest1911442619737
4Chelsea20106439241536
5Newcastle UnitedNewcastle20105534221235
6Manchester CityMan City2010463627934
7Bournemouth209653023733
8Aston Villa209563032-232
9Fulham207943027330
10Brighton & Hove AlbionBrighton2061043029128
11Brentford208393835327
12Tottenham HotspurSpurs20731042301224
13West Ham UnitedWest Ham206592439-1523
14Manchester UnitedMan Utd196492126-522
15Crystal Palace204972128-721
16Everton193881525-1017
17Wolverhampton WanderersWolves1944113142-1116
18Ipswich TownIpswich2037102035-1516
19Leicester CityLeicester2035122344-2114
20Southampton2013161244-326
Scroll for more - Tap for full version


Sports Mole provides in-depth previews and predictions for every match from the biggest leagues and competitions in world football.
AL
Sign up for our FREE daily preview newsletter direct to your inbox!

Loading ...

Failed to load data.



. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .