Wales’ aspirations for the upcoming World Cup have suffered a significant setback with the news that Wrexham striker Kieffer Moore has been ruled out of next week’s crucial play-off semi-final against Bosnia and Herzegovina.
Should Craig Bellamy’s side advance past Bosnia at Cardiff City Stadium on 26 March, Moore will also be unavailable for the subsequent play-off final on 31 March, where they would face either Italy or Northern Ireland at the same venue.
The 33-year-old has been sidelined for Wrexham’s last two fixtures against Hull and Swansea, having sustained a tendon injury during his side’s FA Cup defeat by Chelsea earlier this month.
Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson confirmed the blow, stating: "Kieffer’s not going to be right for the internationals, which is a blow for him and for Wales.
“He’s got this tendon injury, which he feels okay with it, but it’s shown up on the scan.
“It’s one of those injuries that up to 80-85 per cent you’re fine, but if you extend beyond that you’re putting yourself susceptible to muscle injuries. It’s quite clear what we need to do with Kieffer."
Moore has been a prolific scorer for Wrexham this season, netting 13 goals in 36 appearances since his reported £2m move from Sheffield United last summer.
He has also earned 52 caps for his country since making his international debut in September 2019, and has scored 15 goals during this period.
Moore made four appearances at Euro 2020, scoring in Wales’ opening group game against Switzerland.
He also played in all three of the national team’s group games at the 2022 World Cup, when Wales failed to progress to the knockout stages.
Bellamy’s men will hope to go further at the World Cup this time around, but must first get through the play-offs without Moore later this month.
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