Joe Rodon named in Wales squad for Nations League despite injury layoff

Wales have selected Joe Rodon in their squad for the upcoming Nations League fixtures, despite the defender being out of action for more than two months.

The Leeds player sustained a hamstring problem against Brentford on 30 August, missing the previous international window as Wales started their League A campaign with three losses alongside an unexpected victory against World Cup quarter-finalists Norway.

Leeds boss Daniel Farke indicated last week that the 29-year-old had made a controlled return to training, though it remains uncertain if he will feature in Saturday’s fixture against Tottenham.

Having Rodon available provides a significant lift to Wales boss Craig Bellamy, who has picked a 26-man squad to travel to Norway on 14 November before hosting Portugal in Cardiff three days later.

Harry Wilson of Leeds and Manchester United goalkeeper Karl Darlow are also back in the squad after injury forced them to miss the opening Nations League matches.

Cardiff defender Dylan Lawlor and Wrexham forward Nathan Broadhead remain unavailable once again.

Wolves midfielder Jordan James drops out following an injury on Saturday, allowing on-loan Oxford midfielder Kai Andrews to step up from the Under-21 squad.

Bristol City goalkeeper Joe Duncan, currently serving a season-long loan with National League side Southend, takes Tom King’s place in the squad.

The 20-year-old previously represented Jamaica at Under-23 level and spent time training with their senior Reggae Boyz squad during a London camp over the summer.

Cardiff forward Rubin Colwill returns following an injury layoff, replacing Wes Burns.

Wales squad:

Goalkeepers: Karl Darlow (Manchester United), Danny Ward (Wrexham), Joe Duncan (Southend United – on loan from Bristol City)

Defenders: Connor Roberts (Burnley), Ben Davies (Tottenham Hotspur), Chris Mepham (West Bromwich Albion), Joe Rodon (Leeds United), Ben Cabango (Swansea City), Neco Williams (Nottingham Forest), Jay Dasilva (Coventry City), Jayden Lienou (Leeds United)

Midfielders: Ethan Ampadu (Leeds United), Josh Sheehan (Bolton Wanderers), Kai Andrews (Oxford United – on loan from Coventry City), Rubin Colwill (Cardiff City), Joel Colwill (Cardiff City), Harry Wilson (Leeds United), Liam Cullen (Leicester City), David Brooks (Bournemouth)

Forwards: Brennan Johnson (Everton), Sorba Thomas (Hull City), Lewis Koumas (Liverpool), Kieffer Moore (Wrexham), Mark Harris (Oxford United), Dan James (Leeds United), Cian Ashford (Cardiff City)