Wales manager Craig Bellamy has named his 28-man squad for the upcoming UEFA Nations League A campaign, highlighted by a maiden senior international call-up for Cardiff City forward Cian Ashford. The 21-year-old attacker earns his place after featuring in all nine of his club's matches so far this season and finding the back of the net twice.

However, the squad selection comes with a significant blow as first-choice central defender Joe Rodon has been ruled out. Rodon sustained a hamstring injury during his club's third fixture of the campaign, leaving the national team without a key defensive pillar as they prepare to face elite international forwards such as Erling Haaland and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Wales finds itself in a demanding group that features Portugal, Denmark, and Norway. Bellamy's defensive options face further depletion with Dylan Lawlor and Ronan Kpakio also sidelined due to fitness issues. Despite these absences, the squad welcomes back several familiar faces who missed previous international windows through injury, including Harry Wilson, Jordan James, Wes Burns, and Ben Cabango.

Tottenham Hotspur defender Ben Davies keeps his place in the setup and is in line for his first international appearance since reaching his century of caps in October 2025. Davies missed significant time following an ankle injury suffered in January, but has since returned to club action.

Bellamy enters this demanding stretch following a period of uncertainty regarding his own future after holding discussions with Championship club Burnley. The coaching staff has also undergone changes, with assistant coaches Piet Cremers and James Rowberry departing their roles. Former national team captain Ashley Williams and former Swansea City manager Alan Sheehan have been brought in to fill the vacancies.

The upcoming matches mark the nation's return to the top tier of the Nations League. Wales is currently ranked 38th globally—their lowest standing in over a decade—and faces a tough statistical hurdle, having not defeated a top-20 opponent since October 2023.

The competitive schedule begins with an away fixture against Portugal on September 24. Wales will then travel to Denmark before returning home to host Norway on October 1, followed by a subsequent match against Denmark.

Reporting based on coverage first published by BBC Sport. Read the original report at BBC Sport.