Ryan Giggs explains Aaron Ramsey absence

Wales boss Ryan Giggs has revealed that the absence of Aaron Ramsey from his first squad is down to the fact that the Arsenal midfielder needs to undergo "a small procedure".

Real Madrid attacker Gareth Bale was included in the Wales squad for the upcoming China Cup, but Ramsey was left out.

Speaking to the media following the squad announcement, new Wales head coach Giggs revealed that Ramsey would be unavailable as the 27-year-old uses the break in the regular season to undergo a minor procedure, which is believed to be related to his groin.

"We have been in discussions with Aaron and Arsenal over the past couple of weeks. He will have a small procedure but it is the ideal time to get that done," Giggs told reporters.

"It is a blow because you want your best players to travel and I want to win the China Cup."

Wales's first game in the China Cup will take place against China on March 22, before facing a second fixture against either Uruguay or Czech Republic.