Gareth Bale clearly looked in some discomfort as his Welsh side overcame Scotland at Hampden on Friday night. The winger was taken off at half time and conflicting reports suggested that either his ankle problem or the stomach virus was to blame.
It wasn’t particularly pleasant viewing for any Spurs fan and while it seemed that Chris Coleman was determined to play Bale at any cost, the manager has assured the press that he won’t risk his star man against Croatia tomorrow, if there is any question over his fitness.
“I don’t know if he will be okay. I’m not sitting on the fence, but the next 24 hours will be crucial. All we can do is wrap him up in cotton wool. If he is not ready, then we can’t risk him,” Coleman said.
“We won’t because we have to be fair to Tottenham. They never stand in his way and he always comes along. Gareth likes to come, but we have to look after him.”
Every game is a must win for Wales in Group A but every Tottenham fan, except for a section of those who have a Welsh national allegiance, must surely hope that he is as far away from the pitch as possible on Tuesday night.
