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Aaron Ramsey will miss their Euro 2024 play-off match against Finland on Thursday, March 21.
The 33-year-old will be out until the end of next month due to a tendon strain, with Cardiff City boss Erol Bulut estimating a four to six-week recovery time.
Bulut revealed that the injury occurred during training, after recovering from previous injury on the opposite leg.
Ramsey was first thought to have sustained a less severe muscular strain, but his club management revealed the more serious issue on Tuesday night after their 0-0 draw with Blackburn Rovers.
The announcement is a setback for Wales, who must defeat Finland in a play-off semi-final to advance to their third successive major championship.
If they win, Rob Page’s team will face either Poland or Estonia to secure their place in Euro 2024.
The play-off final is scheduled for Monday, March 26th, but Ramsey could be out for longer.
Wales failed to advance from their group, finishing third with just one point from their final two games against Armenia and Turkey.
Ramsey, who had just recently recovered from a knee injury that had kept him out of action since September, was back playing for his hometown club Cardiff City. Prior to this current injury, he has made only two substitute appearances.
Bulut said of Ramsey’s absence from international duty after the Blackburn game: “It’s disappointing both for us and, of course, for Ramsey.”
After luring Ramsey back to Cardiff, the Cardiff City manager reaffirmed his commitment to the former Arsenal and Juventus player, saying, “I will support him wherever I can.” I understand how he’s feeling.
“It’s not easy for a player to be four or five months out [and] come back, play, and then get injured from nearly nothing.”
Ramsey’s return is not inconceivable, but it is exceedingly unlikely, with Bulut open to the possibility of Wales looking at him before kick-off.
He replied, “Maybe he could, but I don’t think so. They told me it would be four to six weeks.
Bulut stated that he would be “delighted” if he could return in time for the play-off game, but cautioned fans not to get their hopes up.
