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Manchester ARTICLES

Wales suffer Bellamy injury blow

10th August 2009

Captain Craig Bellamy is out of Wales' friendly in Montenegro on Wednesday because of an ongoing knee problem.

Wales were initially unaware of why Bellamy was not at Cardiff Airport for Monday morning's flight to Podgorica.

Bellamy's club Manchester City said in a statement: "Craig's situation should have been communicated to the Football Association of Wales over the weekend.

"But a misunderstanding on the process meant this was regrettably not done until today."

The statement added: "Craig Bellamy is continuing his fitness and rehabilitation work following a knee injury.

"He suffered a reaction following Saturday's game against Celtic and is therefore unavailable to represent Wales in this week's friendly against Montenegro."

Wales manager John Toshack was unaware of the reasons for Bellamy's absence until the situation was explained to him on arrival at Podgorica airport.

Toshack said: "I have not heard from the player or the club, I don't know why he is not here."

Manchester City manager Mark Hughes, the former Wales boss, hinted before the weekend that Bellamy had a knee problem.

Bellamy figured in both of Manchester City's pre-season matches against Rangers and Celtic, scoring in Saturday's 2-1 win over Celtic before being substituted.

"With his past history of knee injuries, we are trying to protect him," said Hughes.

"For qualifiers it is not a problem but friendlies are different and I expect the situation will be dealt with accordingly."

Wales were already without four other players for the match in Montenegro, but Cardiff midfielder Joe Ledley did report for duty on Sunday night.

Ledley was suffering from illness all week and had to be withdrawn at half-time during the Bluebirds' opening-day 4-0 win over Scunthorpe.

Wolves midfielder David Edwards, 23, was assessed by the Wales medical staff and was ruled out of the trip.

His fellow midfielder Carl Fletcher, 29, is also a withdrawal after the Plymouth Argyle player called Wales manager John Toshack to say he was retiring from the international game, having won 36 caps for his country.

Wales have a clutch of talented young midfielders developing and it it thought that Fletcher has opted to step aside for the future generation.

Tottenham full-back Gareth Bale and Fulham midfielder Simon Davies were already out of the trip to Podgorica.

But West Ham defender Danny Gabbidon is included in the 22-man Wales squad following an injury-ravaged 18 months.

The 29-year-old has suffered a complicated abdominal problem, but is continuing his rehabilitation from his injury nightmare.

There was also an injury blow for the Wales Under-21 side ahead of their Uefa Under-21 Championship qualifying clash against Hungary at Wrexham's Racecourse Ground, also on Wednesday.

Swansea City midfielder Joe Allen limped out of their opening day loss away to Leicester City on Saturday with a hamstring injury and will miss out, while Chelsea have withdrawn goalkeeper Rhys Taylor.

Wales Under-21 manager Brian Flynn has called-up Swansea's David Cornell, the Under-17s goalkeeper, as well as Cardiff defender Adam Matthews, who has been capped by the Under-19s.

Source: BBC