Koumas injury blow for Wales

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 outstanding 5-2 win in Slovakia - with a foot injury left Wales fans doubting his commitment.

With Toshack believing he might have skipper Craig Bellamy in his side for the October 17 qualifier in San Marino, just a week after a groin operation, there was every reason he wanted to be totally convinced over Koumas’ fitness.

Toshack, who has also lost 20 year-old keeper 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.

Toshack has also discussed the issue with Wigan boss Chris Hutchings but insists he is now clear over Koumas’ injury problems.

The Wales chief said: “I have worked in six countries and I must admit that we have more club v country problems in the UK than anywhere else I have worked.”

Considering Koumas’ bad record of availability, a decision was made to ask him to travel to the team HQ for assessment.

Toshack said: “Jason has had a scan because he has been having discomfort in his thigh. He will need at least 10 days rest with what is a hip and muscle problem that has been worrying him for some while.

“It was important that we saw for ourselves and had him here to assess the injury and to make our own decisions about when he could be available for the future.”

He added: “He is a key player for us but has missed our qualifying games in Slovakia, Dublin, the Czech Republic and now this trip. But I am aware that the injury had become a genuine worry for him, he has been playing and not doing much training.

“I am disappointed with the situation but now happy in my own mind about his problem. I can understand people questioning that he has missed so many away games for us.

“But we have seen the problem now and he will not be right for our next two games. Of course I would be happy if he played in Wigan’s next match, it would show that he is fit again.”

Toshack, who believes that Wales can still finish third in group D, claimed: “I understand Jason’s injury, I had something similar as a player and had injections that probably took three years off my career.

“I played sometimes when I could barely walk from the car park. But I felt it was important that Jason came here to our hotel, we are entitled to do that and now at least we know about the problem properly.”

Toshack hopes that he will be more fortunate with Bellamy, who had a groin operation last Thursday and is already back in light training at West Ham.

He said: “I have spoken to West Ham and Craig will stay with them this week to assess his recovery and then could fly out to join us in San Marino next week.

“Craig has had the same operation that Michael Owen has had, and he was back playing and scoring before the stitches were taken out at the weekend.

“I must admit I find that strange, I am sure Sam Allardyce at Newcastle feels the same. I wonder if it is right doing that, but the medical advice is that you can these days.

“I am not convinced that 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.”

Wales have Tranmere keeper Danny Coyne available after his recovery from a hamstring injury, and he could well replace Hennessey in the next two matches.