Aaron Ramsey dealt a disguised blow to Juventus after insisting that his fitness is not an issue when “properly managed”. Ramsey will captain Wales in the crucial World Cup qualifier against the Czech Republic in Prague on Friday in the absence of injured Gareth Bale, but arrives under cooked after the start of a Serie A game this season.
Ramsey made four appearances for Massimiliano Allegri’s side this season, playing 105 minutes, 59 on Matchday 1 when he faced Udinese in Group E, securing a spot in the play-offs for Qatar 2022.
“I know what I can do and with the right management I can stay fit and play a lot of games for a long time,” said Ramsey. “I still feel good when given the opportunity and when I am properly guided. It was frustrating to have those minor injuries that have cost me a lot of games and have resulted in missing some important games for Wales over the past few years. “
Ramsey started every game when Wales reached the round of 16 at Euro 2020 in the summer, but has not played a qualifier since his double-secured entry into these finals against Hungary in November 2019. The 30-year-old midfielder has struggled to make a regular impact at Juventus, which he joined after leaving Arsenal for free this year.
“The training philosophy and methods at my club are different than here [with Wales], “he said.” There are a number of people here who have been guiding me for several years so they know how to get the best out of me and so I can play multiple games in a row. Like I did this year at the EM has shown, I am able to do that and perform well.
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“My performance in games is pretty good and maybe I need a little more rest and relaxation during the week instead of lying on the grass for a long time and carrying more fatigue into the games. For me, recovery is a big part of it. “
Robert Page, the Welsh interim manager, said it was “a screaming shame” that Ramsey doesn’t play regularly. Bale has a hamstring injury but is expected to return to Belarus for November qualifiers at home.
