Five Wales stars not in training including Bale, but no worries apart from Allen

Their absence is 'completely normal' though, and isn't expected to be a concern for the Dragons' opening game against the USA - but Joe Allen's fitness still hangs in the balance.

Advertisement

Wales are just two days away from playing their first World Cup fixture since 1958, with the country rallying behind Robert Page's side as they prepare to take the world stage for the second time.

But as the Dragons entered their penultimate day of preparing for their tie against the USA in Group D on Monday, five of their players were unable to join in with training.

Advertisement

It's understood Gareth Bale, Aaron Ramsey, Chris Mepham, Jonny Williams and Ethan Ampadu are the stars all having their workloads managed.

However fans have been reassured the decision to rest them isn't a cause for concern ahead of their opening match.

Meanwhile, veteran midfielder Allen's fitness is still a doubt for the USA game.

The ex-Liverpool star has been primarily training on his own away from the rest of the group as he recovers from hamstring damage, with him not playing a game since mid-September.

Advertisement

Advertisement

But earlier this week, former Dragons striker Dean Saunders stressed how important the Swansea City star will be for his country in Qatar, even if he's not fully fit.

"The key man for us is Joe Allen," he told talkSPORT.

Advertisement

"If Joe's not playing, we haven't got a Premier League, or even Championship midfield player that we can put in."