Wales manager Chris Coleman has said that he is pleased that Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale will miss this summer's Olympic football tournament.
The 23-year-old returned to light training with Spurs earlier this week following a back injury, however he was omitted from Stuart Pearce's 18-man Team GB squad because of doubts over his fitness.
"I'm quite relieved Gareth is not involved with Team GB because I think he could do with a rest," explained Coleman. "He's played a lot of football last season and there's a lot of pressure on him because he's such a good player.
"He's such a dynamic player and every game he plays, the amount of ground he covers and the speed he runs at it's going to take its toll.
"He needs a rest - mentally and physically - and we keep our fingers crossed he will be ready for us."
Bale played 47 games for club and country last season, scoring 15 goals.
Written by
Robert Summerscales
Robert Summerscales
