By Fatma Younis
Wales have included defender Joe Rodon in their 26-man squad for the upcoming Nations League double-header against Norway and Portugal, despite the Leeds United centre-back being sidelined for more than two months with a hamstring injury.
Rodon's injury and recovery
Rodon suffered the hamstring problem during Leeds' match against Brentford on 30 August and missed Wales' opening Nations League fixtures, which brought three defeats and a surprise win over Norway. Leeds manager Daniel Farke said last week that the 29-year-old had returned to training in a controlled manner, though his involvement in Saturday's club game against Tottenham remains uncertain.
Boost for Bellamy
The defender's availability provides a significant lift for Wales manager Craig Bellamy, who named the squad for the trip to Norway on 14 November and the home match against Portugal in Cardiff three days later.
Other returning players
Leeds midfielder Harry Wilson and Manchester United goalkeeper Karl Darlow also return after missing the previous international window through injury. Cardiff defender Dylan Lawlor and Wrexham forward Nathan Broadhead remain unavailable, while Wolves midfielder Jordan James drops out due to a weekend injury, allowing on-loan Oxford midfielder Kai Andrews to step up from the Under-21s.
New call-up
Bristol City goalkeeper Joe Duncan, on a season-long loan at National League side Southend, replaces Tom King. The 20-year-old previously represented Jamaica at Under-23 level and trained with their senior squad over the summer. Cardiff forward Rubin Colwill returns from injury, taking the place of Wes Burns.
