Coleman could play Bale

Real Madrid star Bale, who has not played since mid-July, remains a doubt for the World Cup qualifier in Cardiff, despite taking a full part in training on the eve of the game, hours after undergoing a scan on a groin strain.

Coleman could be forgiven for electing not to risk Bale given his desire to build a strong relationship with the 24-year-old's new club, as well as the physical test posed by their visitors.

Coleman was also less than impressed by how his side were treated in defeat to Macedonia on Friday.

Rough house tactics from the hosts saw Aaron Ramsey receive an elbow in the throat and Jonathan Williams suffer an ankle injury in a poor challenge which is set to keep him sidelined for six weeks.

Coleman said: "We are not asking for more protection than the next team but we have got to get some.

"You can't have a player blatantly elbowing one of your players. We needed more protection than what we got.

"I'm not saying Gareth Bale needs extra protection, he just needs a fair crack of the whip.

"The type of football we play, we don't play fight football, we try to play nice football.

"Sometimes the opposition get annoyed with that.

Source: PA

Source: PA

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