Wales without Aaron Ramsey for Irish game

Aaron Ramsey has withdrawn from Wales’ squad ahead of their Nations League encounter against Ireland on Tuesday because of family reasons.

The Arsenal midfielder earned his 56th international cap in the 4-1 friendly defeat to Spain last Thursday, captaining Wales in the second half.

However, the Football Association of Wales announced he will not travel with the squad to Dublin, with Swansea winger Daniel James called up from the under-21s to take his place.

The FAW said in a tweet: “Daniel James has been called up to the senior team from the under 21’s this morning.

Aaron Ramsey will no longer travel with the squad to Dublin due to family reasons.”

Gareth Bale has already been ruled out of the game with a groin injury.

Ramsey was allowed to miss Arsenal’s Europa League tie against Qarabag in Azerbaijan earlier this month to stay in London with his pregnant wife.

His personal situation was addressed when manager Ryan Giggs named his 25-man squad for the double header against Spain and the Republic.

Giggs said: “We have to weigh it up and it’s something for us to assess.

“Obviously we are at home for the first game. That’s a plus, but we are just monitoring the situation.”

Ramsey seemed to reference the impending addition to his family when he celebrated his goal in Wales’ 4-1 win over the Republic at the Principality Stadium last month by putting the ball up his jersey.

The 27-year-old, whose future at the Gunners has been the subject of some speculation as his contract runs out next summer, joins Gareth Bale in pulling out of the return fixture against Martin O’Neill’s men.

Bale missed the defeat to Spain and the FAW confirmed he had returned to Real Madrid ahead of the trip to Dublin.