GROUP D: Wales midfielder Jason Koumas has become the latest player to be ruled out of manager John Toshack's squad for the Euro 2008 qualifiers in Cyprus and San Marino through injury.
But Wigan midfielder Koumas was not ruled out until he had been examined by Wales' own medical staff in Cardiff before he had a scan on a persistent thigh problem. The fact the 28-year-old has not played an away match for Wales in two years, and that he pulled out of their last match - the 5-2 win in Slovakia - with a foot injury left Wales fans doubting his commitment. Toshack wanted to be totally convinced over Koumas' fitness.
Toshack, who has also lost 20 year-old goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey with a hip injury for both matches, is well used to a constant stream of player withdrawals from his squads as the club v country debate rages.
Wales have Tranmere goalkeeper Danny Coyne available after his hamstring injury, and he could replace Hennessey in the next two matches.
Toshack hopes he will be more fortunate with Craig Bellamy, who had a groin operation last Thursday and is already back in light training at West Ham."I am not convinced Craig will be okay, but we will wait and see. Let's be honest, there is more at stake for him than a game in San Marino."
:quality(70)/cloudfront-eu-central-1.images.arcpublishing.com/irishtimes/YVIRIOZQ35EWRPZXR27KGMO6YU.png)