Defender Ben Davies is a fitness concern for Wales ahead of next month’s 2026 World Cup qualifying matches against Liechtenstein and North Macedonia.

The injury to Davies is troubling as Wales’ next two games will determine whether Craig Bellamy’s side keep their hopes of reaching the tournament alive.

The 32-year-old, who captained Wales and earned his 100th international cap during their 4–2 defeat to Belgium on 13 October, was forced off in the second half with a hamstring problem. His leadership and experience have been central to Wales’ campaign, which has so far been marked by inconsistency as they attempt to secure a place at a third World Cup in four tournaments.

His club manager, Thomas Frank, has since confirmed that the injury could rule him out for several weeks.

“Ben Davies is out with a hamstring injury — it could be weeks,” Frank told club media ahead of Tottenham’s Champions League tie in Monaco.

Wales currently sit third in Group J, trailing both Belgium and North Macedonia, with just four games remaining in the qualifiers. They travel to Liechtenstein on 15 November before returning to Cardiff to host North Macedonia four days later, a fixture that could prove decisive in determining who finishes second and earns a World Cup play-off spot.

Bellamy’s side will be expected to take maximum points from Liechtenstein, who remain bottom of the group without a goal or point. However, the real challenge will come in Cardiff, where North Macedonia, sitting second, are fighting to protect their position.

Davies’ absence would be a major blow to a Welsh defence that has struggled for stability in recent months, particularly following the recent injury absences from other key players such as Ethan Ampadu and Harry Wilson.

As Bellamy looks to guide a new generation through a transitional period, the availability of his captain could prove pivotal.

Wales will be desperate for Davies to recover in time for that crunch clash on 18 November at Cardiff City Stadium, a match that could determine whether their World Cup dream remains alive heading into 2026.

Sportin Wales’s coverage of Wales’s World Cup qualifying campaign is proudly sponsored by S4C. You can watch all of Wales’s matches this year for free on S4C and S4C Clic.

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