Wales Coach Bellamy Expresses Disappointment Over Cooper’s Three-Month Injury Layoff

Wales head coach Craig Bellamy has stated he is “disappointed” for Swansea City midfielder Ollie Cooper, who has been ruled out of play for a period of three months. The 24-year-old footballer will be unavailable for Wales’ Nations League matches against Turkey and Iceland scheduled for this month, as a stress fracture in his foot will keep him sidelined until next year. Cooper has participated in all four of Wales’ games since Bellamy assumed the role of head coach in July, succeeding Rob Page. Although he typically plays in an attacking midfield position for Swansea, Cooper has been deployed in a more withdrawn role for his national team. “I’m so disappointed for him. I think he’s really progressed as a footballer – there’s different areas where you can use Ollie,” Bellamy said. He continued, “It’s a real big shame but he needs to keep his confidence up because he’s going to be involved with Wales for a number of years. “It’s a setback at the moment. But that’s all it is – just a setback.” For this month’s double header, Wales will also be missing midfielders Aaron Ramsey and Ethan Ampadu. Nevertheless, Joe Allen and fellow Swansea academy graduate Josh Sheehan have been included in the squad.