Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey to undergo surgery after not making Ryan Giggs’ Wales squad
Emirates star picked up hamstring injury last month and will go under knife during international break
AARON RAMSEY will miss Ryan Giggs' first game in charge of Wales at the China Cup next week to undergo a minor operation.
As SunSport exclusively revealed today, the Arsenal midfielder was not included in Giggs' 26-man squad named on Thursday lunchtime.
Ramsey, 27, is expected to play for Arsenal in the Europa League last-16, second leg tie against AC Milan at the Emirates tonight.
But Giggs revealed Ramsey, who had a hamstring injury last month, will not travel to the Far East for the four-team tournament including hosts China, Uruguay and the Czech Republic as he will go under the knife.
Giggs said: "We’ve been in discussion with Arsenal and Aaron. He's got a small procedure. It's the ideal time in the break for him to get it done.
"He will be in Arsenal’s squad tonight. It is a blow because he's a quality player, but it's the best thing for the future for Aaron. It’s a private matter."
But Giggs is boosted by the inclusion of Real Madrid superstar Gareth Bale.
Wales' talisman has not played for his country since last September and the 28-year-old has missed the previous four internationals.
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Giggs added: "You want your best players and Gareth is a tremendous player.
"He’s someone who lights up the pitch whenever he’s on it. You want your best players to travel.
"He’s got a game just like most of the players at the weekend so we’re constantly monitoring the players injury wise."
Giggs confirmed Ashley Williams will remain as Wales captain but long-serving Dave Edwards of Reading, 32, has retired after winning 43 caps.
Newcastle's Paul Dummett has decided to concentrate on his club's relegation battle.
Liverpool goalkeeper Danny Ward is also unavailable for the trip to Nanning where Wales face Marcello Lippi's China outfit next Thursday due to a missing passport.
Giggs also confirmed his backroom staff with Osian Roberts remaining as an assistant with ex-Manchester United No2 Albert Stuivenberg and Tony Strudwick (head of performance) joining full-time.
Giggs said: "Everyone I've brought in were my first choice. I'm delighted with the staff."