Ben Cabango has withdrawn from the Wales squad for the crucial Euro play off on Thursday through injury. He has been replaced by thirty year old Morgan Fox of Queens Park Rangers.
Ben has been called up for numerous Wales squad selections under Rob Page, but only has seven caps to his name. Still only twenty three he has twenty seven starts for Swansea City this season, his overall stat of 161 for the club with an eight goal return is admirable. Speaking on the situation Swans head coach Luke Williams stated, "Ben pulled up in training with his calf - it went ping. We don't know exactly the extent of it but we know it's bad enough that he can't apply any force through it." That’s a great shame and these type of injuries do take a bit of exploration, so it’s a mystery for now. However, the Swans are having a weekend off and won’t return to action until Sheffield Wednesday away on Good Friday (March 29th)
It’s also looking like Ipswich Town right sided utility man Wes Burns will be out as well after a hamstring injury during his sides 6-0 win on Saturday against Sheffield Wednesday. The twenty nine year old has played six times for his country. Schooled in Barry he speaks Welsh fluently. Wycombe Wanderers centre back Joe Low has now pulled out as well.
Wales manager Rob Page is extremely confident that Thursday will bring the win needed to progress to a final play off between either Poland or Estonia, this will also be played at home next Tuesday evening if Aales are successful. "We’re in the healthiest position we’ve been in in terms of players playing minutes and scoring goals. We’re in a good place and we understand the importance of the game, we’ve been here before. The carrot at the end of these two games is another EURO’s. The players we have will be able to cope with the demands of these two games. We’re confident and in good form going into this game. We want to come out of the traps and take the game to them from the first minute. We’ve got a team and a squad of players who are used to qualifying and we want more of it. We’re on the right track.”
Leeds United Captain, Ethan Ampadu and team mate Dan James will reach fifty caps for Wales on Thursday night if selected, and we are certain if fit they will be. It’s Ethan though who will be setting records. Ampadu will reach fifty caps more than two years quicker than Wales' record cap-holder Bale, if he faces Finland. You can see below what an achievement that is. (BBC)
His father Kwame Ampadu is fondly remembered by Swansea City fans.
Speaking on the landmark to come, and how it started for him Ethan said yesterday, "I was a very nervous young boy. He might not remember it but the first person I met was Ben Davies. Just that initial 'How are you ?’ was quite settling for me. Growing up as a Chelsea fan, I would look up to John Terry (surprisingly) as captain but also Didier Drogba. He wasn't a captain but he would lead the team with his performance rather than wearing the armband. Those are qualities that when you feel settled and comfortable, that's when you can play your best football. You don't have any other distractions going on. That's been shown."
Swansea City midfielder, Joe Allen has spoken about the potential Euro Championship for Wales this summer and his inclusion. "Of course if he asked me I would never say no. But I've been saying lately I don't think a phone call will come. There is so much strength in the team - the young players are doing a really good job - and if those guys get us through to Germany, I think they deserve the chance to play in Germany."
Factfile : Wales are unbeaten in their last four meetings with Finland in all competitions, most recently a 0-0 draw in a friendly in September 2021.This will be Wales’ 16th meeting with Finland in all competitions – excluding the home nations and Republic of Ireland, they’ve only ever faced Belgium (17) and Germany (17) more often.
Coverage: Live on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Radio Wales, BBC Radio Cymru, Via Sport 1.
Highlights: Match of the Day Wales, BBC One Wales from 10.40pm.