Injured Ampadu is Wales doubt for Kazakhstan trip

Leeds United boss Daniel Farke gave Ethan Ampadu the club captaincy when he was 23

Wales could be without Ethan Ampadu for their World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan in September.

The Leeds United captain suffered a knee injury in their 1-0 Premier League win against Everton on Monday, with boss Daniel Farke saying: "It's bad news. He will be out at least until the international break."

Farke hopes the 24-year-old - who can play in midfield or defence - will be fit for his side after Craig Bellamy's national squad go to Kazakhstan on 4 September before hosting Canada in a friendly five days later.

"He's a tough boy. He will miss the next three games including the cup game," added Farke.

"I hope to have him back the other side of the international break. It's a blow for us that he will miss the upcoming games.

"[It's] not ideal. He's our captain and a very important player. We will have to find some solutions."

Wales lie second in Group J in their qualifying campaign following their only defeat to date, a pulsating 4-3 loss in Belgium in June.

They are a point behind North Macedonia who won 1-0 in Kazakhstan, while Belgium are third, three points further back, but have two games in hand.

Ampadu has become an impressive mainstay for Wales and his absence against Kazakhstan would be a big blow.