Gareth Bale to miss October World Cup qualifiers due to hamstring injury

Gareth Bale will miss the next two World Cup Qualifying games due to a hamstring injury.

The Real Madrid footballer has been left out of Rob Page's 28 player squad for the upcoming FIFA qualifying matches against Czech Republic and Estonia.

The 32-year-old also missed five Real Madrid games due to the hamstring tear and was due to win his 100th cap for his country against the Czech Republic on Friday.

Speaking about the injury, Wales' manager Rob Page said: "You grade hamstring injuries from one to four and his is nearer to the four so it's quite a significant hamstring tear.

"With any injury, you can plan as much as you want but you can never guarantee it. We're pretty certain we'll have him for November but it's quite a significant tear."

Discussing what losing Bale means, Page said that it's a "blow" for the team but also an opportunity for other players make their mark.

He said: "He's been first class for Wales over the years and he's a great player. When you've got players like that in your squad, you want them involved in every camp.

"It's a blow - it's a blow for myself and for the supporters, of course it is, but it gives other people an opportunity now to step up to the plate and show us what they can do.

"Gareth Bale is a very special player and of course he'll be missed. But we can't cry about it. We've got to get on with it in a positive frame of mind and fully focus on two tough games coming up"

On a positive note, Aaron Ramsey is back in the squad after missing out on the September games due to a thigh injury.

22-year old Sorba Thomas will also make his debut for his country.

Wales will face the Czech Republic on Friday October 8th before heading to Estonia on Monday October 11th.