Wales captain Aaron Ramsey has been left out of the national squad for the final two World Cup qualifying matches in Group J. Head coach Craig Bellamy announced a 26-man roster that notably excludes Ramsey, who had recently returned to the team after a 13-month absence. Despite the anticipation surrounding his comeback, a lingering injury has sidelined the 34-year-old midfielder from Wales' recent fixtures, which saw them suffer a 3-0 defeat to England and a 4-2 loss to Belgium.

Reports suggest Ramsey is now a free agent following the termination of his contract with Mexican club Pumas UNAM, although official confirmation is still pending. Bellamy emphasized that Ramsey remains injured and highlighted the tense situation surrounding him, exacerbated by the disappearance of his dog, which has impacted his family.

In Ramsey's absence, Rubin Colwill from Cardiff has been called up, while Leeds' Daniel James returns to the squad after recovering from injury. Tottenham's Ben Davies is also included, despite not featuring in recent weeks.

Wales currently sits third in the group, four points behind leaders Belgium. Securing a second-place finish would guarantee them a spot in the UEFA playoffs, offering a chance to claim one of the four remaining World Cup berths.

Expert Analysis: Despite Ramsey's absence, Wales boasts a strong squad capable of securing World Cup qualification through the playoffs. The return of Daniel James is pivotal, as his pace and dynamism add a crucial dimension to the attack. It's essential for the team to remain focused and capitalize on their opportunities in the upcoming matches.