Jump directly to the content
Coleman calm

Wales boss Chris Coleman insists he won’t be tempted to risk injured trio in vital Euro 2016 opener against Slovakia on Saturday

Joe Allen, Joe Ledley and Hal Robson-Kanu back in training after problems but boss won't be reckless with his stars

Chris Coleman insists he won't take a gamble on players returning from injury

Sponsored by

CHRIS COLEMAN admits it would be “reckless” for him to gamble on the fitness of all three of Wales’ injured stars on Saturday.

Joe Allen, Joe Ledley and Hal Robson-Kanu are all making good recoveries and are back training with the squad.

Chris Coleman insists he won't take a gamble on players returning from injury
6
Chris Coleman insists he won't take a gamble on players returning from injuryCredit: Getty
Liverpool ace Joe Allen is making good progress after his injury lay-off
6
Liverpool ace Joe Allen is making good progress after his injury lay-offCredit: Getty

Their absence was keenly felt in Sunday’s horror show as the Welsh lost their final warm-up game 3-0 in Sweden.

But boss Coleman will resist the temptation to rush them all back and is particularly wary of starting Crystal Palace star Ledley as he recovers from a broken leg.

He said: “I’m not giving anything away to say we can’t start with all three. It would be reckless really and we don’t have to.

“It is all on that first game. That is how we have to look at it. Whatever comes out of it, we can start again.”

Now Read

No2 Ray Lewington gives away England team secrets after notes pictured at training camp in Chantilly
LEW'S CLUES

No2 Ray Lewington gives away England team secrets after notes pictured at training camp in Chantilly

Daniel Sturridge says there's no egos in the camp - he wants to be part of England’s bid for glory at Euros
Not dan in dumps

Daniel Sturridge says there's no egos in the camp - he wants to be part of England’s bid for glory at Euros

Tottenham ace Harry Kane hopes musical motivation will lead England to Euro glory
Firestarter

Tottenham ace Harry Kane hopes musical motivation will lead England to Euro glory

FA cock-up leaves new-boy Marcus Rashford as only England star NOT to have Three Lions badge on custom-made Euro 2016 suit
Crestfallen

FA cock-up leaves new-boy Marcus Rashford as only England star NOT to have Three Lions badge on custom-made Euro 2016 suit

Hal Robson-Kanu will be hoping to partner Gareth Bale at Euro 2016
6
Hal Robson-Kanu will be hoping to partner Gareth Bale at Euro 2016Credit: Getty
Crystal Palace's Joe Ledley has made a miraculous recovery
6
Crystal Palace's Joe Ledley has made a miraculous recoveryCredit: Getty

Coleman may yet be tempted to start with Ledley — who has made such a miraculous recovery — but knows it would probably be too much to ask.

Wales’ Euro 2016 opener with Slovakia in Bordeaux comes just five weeks after Ledley, 29, suffered a hairline fracture against Stoke — so for him to even be in the frame is amazing.

Coleman added: “Joe has been on pitch, doing everything the rest of the players are doing.

“If you get a kick on it, that is a question mark.

Coleman admits Ledley could play some part against Slovakia
6
Coleman admits Ledley could play some part against SlovakiaCredit: Getty
Wales boss Coleman is hoping to start the Euro campaign with a win
6
Wales boss Coleman is hoping to start the Euro campaign with a winCredit: Getty

“When he did the injury at the end of the season we were all thinking the same thing — a broken leg is a broken leg.

“But he has done so well to get back to where he is.

“It is fair to say you can’t really see Joe playing 90 minutes. But can he play a part? Yes.

“They could all play a part — both Joes and Hal — unless there’s a real bad reaction before the weekend.”

Topics
YOU MIGHT LIKE
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
MORE FOR YOU