Giggs Doubt for Wales

Doubt for Welsh?
By Chris O'Brien
August 15 2005

Welsh wizard Ryan Giggs is a major doubt for his country's upcoming international friendly against Slovenia in Swansea. The veteran is struggling with a stomach complaint which saw him miss United's Premiership opener at Everton.

Ryan Giggs has emerged as a major doubt for Wales' upcoming international friendly against Slovenia in Swansea. The left-winger had been named, of course, in John Toshack's squad for the game on August 17th but could miss the game with the same stomach complaint that saw Giggs miss out on playing against Everton in United's Premiership opener at Goodison Park.

Wales, who have already missed out on qualification for the 2006 World Cup, have a number of injury problems ahead of the fixture and have already been forced into numerous squad changes. Cardiff City left-winger Paul Parry has been added to the squad, presumably as a replacement for the set-to-depart Giggs. Fellow Bluebird Martyn Margetson has replaced the injured Lewis Price, whilst Jason Koumas, James Collins and Mark Delaney have all pulled-out.

Toshack could also be without recent Blackburn Rovers acquisition Craig Bellamy, as the Dragons prepare for their last chance to warm-up for their eagerly anticipated 'Battle of Britain' World Cup qualifier with England. The cross of St.George will journey to the Millennium Stadium on September 3rd.

Wales Squad to Face Slovenia at Swansea on Wednesday August 17th:
Coyne (Burnley), Jones (Wolves), Margetson (Cardiff), Duffy (Coventry), Edwards (Wolves), Gabbidon (West Ham), Page (Coventry), Partridge (Bristol City), Ricketts (Swansea), Jones (Wrexham), Parry (Cardiff), Roberts (Tranmere), Thatcher (Man City), Davies (Everton), Fletcher (West Ham), Robinson (Sunderland), Vaughan (Crewe), Williams (West Ham), Bellamy (Blackburn), Earnshaw (West Brom), Giggs (Man Utd), Hartson (Celtic).