Joe Allen is set to end his international retirement and rejoin the Wales squad for the upcoming Nations League matches against Iceland and Montenegro. Craig Bellamy is expected to announce his squad on Wednesday morning. The 34-year-old Swansea midfielder had stepped away from Wales duty a few months after the 2022 World Cup in Qatar, following the retirements of former captain Gareth Bale and defender Chris Gunter.
Bellamy, the current Wales manager, has managed to persuade Allen to return to the international stage, particularly due to injuries sustained by captain Aaron Ramsey and Ethan Ampadu, which have increased the need for midfield alternatives. Allen, who has earned 74 caps for Wales, has participated in three major tournaments, including a memorable run to the semi-finals at Euro 2016. The Leeds captain, Ampadu, is facing a potential four-month absence due to a knee injury, while Ramsey is out with a hamstring issue.
Wales' available midfield options now include Jordan James, who moved to Rennes from Birmingham in the summer, Bolton's Josh Sheehan, Reading's Charlie Savage, and Allen's club teammate Oli Cooper. Swansea's head coach, Luke Williams, mentioned last week that Allen was 'excited' about the possibility of returning to the Wales team. In September, Bellamy met with both Williams and Allen to discuss the potential comeback. The Bellamy era began last month with a draw against Turkey and a win in Montenegro, following his appointment in July after Rob Page's departure.
Speaking about Allen's potential return before Ampadu's injury, Williams commented: 'I don't believe this is a distraction for him, but rather a welcome change of scenery and an opportunity to be reinvigorated. I don't think Craig is considering that Joe will need to play two full 90-minute games during the international break.'
