Joe Allen is unlikely to feature for Wales in their World Cup opener against the United States of America.
The midfielder has been sidelined for more than two months owing to the hamstring injury he sustained during Swansea City's 3-0 Championship triumph over Hull City in September.
He has regularly trained separately from the rest of the Wales squad at their Al Sadd base since arriving in Qatar in the early hours of Wednesday morning.
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And on the eve of his country's first World Cup fixture since 1958, boss Rob Page admitted the Football Association of Wales' medical staff remain determined not to thrust the 32-year-old back into action too soon following his lengthy lay-off.
“We said from the start, we’re going to give every possible chance that we can to get him to play that first game," said the head coach. "He’s probably not going to make it.
"We could have pushed him, maybe, but if he breaks down then he’s definitely out of the tournament. Risk over reward. Yes, we’d have liked him available for the first game, but we’re not going to push him to the point of completely losing him."
It promises to be a momentous occasion for the Red Dragons who are at their third major tournament in just six years, although the Qatar showpiece will only be Wales' second ever appearance at a World Cup.
Football fever has truly started gripping the nation while more than 3,000 members of the Red Wall are expected to roar on their side in Qatar.
And Bale admits there is no greater honour for him personally than captaining his country on the grandest football stage.
"It’s probably the biggest honour we could have for our country, qualifying for a World Cup, something we haven’t done in 64 years," said the 33-year-old. "It’s history in our country. Schools are going to stop to watch our games. Kids are going to miss school, fortunately for them.
"It’s a massive piece of history in our country and something we have all wanted for a long time. We have the support of the nation back home, no matter what happens, as long as we give 100% our country will love us for that."
Wales face the USA in their tournament opener on Monday night. They then battle it out with Iran on Friday before rounding off the group stage against England four days later.
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