Aaron Ramsey's Future with Wales Uncertain Amid Injury Struggles

Wales captain Aaron Ramsey's international future is in doubt following a season marred by injuries and limited playing time at Cardiff City. The 33-year-old midfielder, who boasts 84 caps for Wales, has not featured for the national team in nine months.

Ramsey's absence was felt during Wales' recent penalty shoot-out loss to Poland in March, which dashed their hopes of qualifying for Euro 2024. Despite his experience and leadership, he was not risked off the bench in that pivotal match.

Ramsey will also miss the upcoming friendlies against Gibraltar and Slovakia this week, choosing instead to focus on a full pre-season at Cardiff. Wales boss Rob Page has indicated that Ramsey's return to the national team in September will depend on his fitness levels at that time.

Former Wales teammate Andy King remains optimistic about Ramsey's potential contributions to the national team. King, who played alongside Ramsey between 2009 and 2018 and earned 50 caps, said, "Players know themselves, they know how the body's feeling... Aaron is a top player, top person, and I'm sure he'll feel that he's got a lot to give."

King praised Ramsey's influence on young Welsh players and his crucial role in Wales' 'golden generation' that reached the semi-finals of Euro 2016. *"Aaron has been an inspiration for a lot of young Welsh players, he was central to that golden generation... He would have been the main man in any other generation, but he just happened to come along at the same time as Gareth Bale,"* King noted.

Wales will prepare for their Nations League matches against Iceland, Montenegro, and Turkey this autumn with two friendlies this week. They are set to face Gibraltar at the Estadio Algarve in Portugal on Thursday, followed by a match against Euro 2024-bound Slovakia in Trnava.

King expressed optimism about the future of Welsh football, highlighting the new generation of players like Brennan Johnson and Harry Wilson, who are competing at the Premier League level. He believes this bodes well for the national team's prospects.

As Wales looks ahead to pivotal Nations League fixtures, the uncertainty surrounding Ramsey's international career remains a significant talking point. His experience and leadership could still be invaluable assets if he can regain full fitness.

Key Takeaways

• Aaron Ramsey's international future is uncertain due to injuries and limited playing time.
• Ramsey has not played for Wales in 9 months and will miss upcoming friendlies.
• Wales boss Rob Page says Ramsey's return depends on his fitness levels in September.
• Former teammate Andy King believes Ramsey still has a lot to offer the national team.
• Ramsey's experience and leadership could be valuable assets if he regains full fitness.