Aaron Ramsey: Wales midfielder to miss opening World Cup qualifiers

Aaron Ramsey has made 27 appearances for Juventus this season

Wales midfielder Aaron Ramsey is not available for their opening World Cup qualifying games through injury.

Ramsey was originally named in Wales' squad for qualifiers in Belgium on 24 March and at home to Czech Republic on 30 March.

The 30-year-old has been absent for Juventus against Cagliari and Benevento due to a thigh injury, Italian media claimed he will be out for three weeks.

Ramsey will also miss Wales' friendly against Mexico on 27 March.

Wales' assistant boss Robert Page said it will be "business as usual" for Wales as he stays in charge for this month's matches while manager Ryan Giggs remains absent.

Giggs had his bail extended to 1 May after denying an allegation of assault.

Page named his 31-man squad for the World Cup qualifiers on 15 March, with Ramsey included despite Juventus boss Andrea Pirlo saying he has "physical problems."

Ramsey has started only three of Wales' last 20 games due to injury and has played only once since Wales qualified for the delayed 2020 European Championship.

That has led to some Wales fans questioning Ramsey's commitment, but Page says no-one will be more frustrated than the former Arsenal man.

Speaking on the day of the squad announcement, Page said: "I understand where the fans are coming from but if you're injured, you're injured.

"No-one will be more frustrated than Aaron right now.

"But I wouldn't question his commitment, and whenever he plays he adds value to the team."