Ben Davies has left the Wales squad and returned to Tottenham as a precaution over a minor injury picked up on international duty.
The 28-year-old played the entire 90 minutes to help his country overcome Austria 2-1 in their World Cup qualifier on Thursday evening. However, Davies then left the Wales squad days later without any explanation given ahead of their hastily arranged friendly against the Czech Republic on Tuesday evening.
football.london understands that the defender has returned to Spurs as a precaution after feeling tightness in one of his quad muscles in his thigh. With Davies being released before the problem developed it is hoped that with treatment and the recovery time he should be available for Tottenham's Premier League return at home against Newcastle on Sunday afternoon.
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Davies has become a key figure under Antonio Conte in the left-sided position in his back three, a more attacking version of the role he plays in the back three under Robert Page for his country. He has started all but two matches for Spurs since the Italian's arrival.
Conte told football.london in December that Davies reminds him of a player he had in his title-winning Chelsea team.
"Yeah, you’re right because Ben is playing very well and I think that that role specifically, I can get out the best of him, and it happened the same with (Cesar) Azpilicueta and I think the three central defenders, it's important to be good defensively, but at the same time, for me it's important to play football, have personality and play the ball," he said.
"Also when you find a team that's defending very low, it’s very important in this system. I need players with personality to play the ball and also to be offensive.
"Ben is one of these players, he shows great solidity and plays well defensively. I’m happy for him. We are talking about a really good person, a good guy. He’s always really focused and concentrated."
In turn Davies is a big fan of Conte, having said last month: "To have the opportunity to work under a world class manager is always nice as a player.
"Sometimes you learn more in the tough times. This is where we have to really take in what he says. We know he has the skill-set and the mental ability to make us better players. All we can do is learn from that."
Conte and Davies have been reunited sooner than expected this week but it should be to Tottenham's gain.
