Rob Page says Wales 'will be in contact' with LAFC regarding Gareth Bale's World Cup fitness
By Chris Smith
Wales boss Rob Page has revealed he'll remain in close contact with LAFC regarding Gareth Bale's fitness as the World Cup approaches.
Bale played the full 90 minutes as Wales lost 1-0 against Poland on Sunday in a result that confirmed their relegation from their UEFA Nations League group.
However, that's the first time the 33-year-old has managed a full game at any level since March of this year, while he hasn't gone 90 at club level since a La Liga match against Getafe for Real Madrid in April 2020.
Wales' next game is their World Cup Group B opener against the United States on November 21. Before then, it's vital Bale plays as many minutes as possible in the MLS regular season and Playoffs for LAFC.
"They want Gareth available for them and we want him in the physical position for the first [World Cup] game against the USA. We will be in contact with them and make sure he is in the right place," Page said of Bale's situation at LAFC, where only two of the forward's 11 appearances have been from the start.
"What he does from now until the first game, we will be in contact with the club and help manage those minutes. They are a good outfit, LA, so they will know exactly how to get him from where he is now to full fitness, which is 90 minutes week in, week out."
LAFC are level on 64 points with the Philadelphia Union at the top of the overall MLS standings. The Black and Gold have just two more regular season games remaining - away to the Portland Timbers and at home against Nashville SC - before they begin their Playoffs run.
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