Wales to assess Daniel James’ fitness before Northern Ireland friendly | OneFootball

Wales will assess Daniel James’ fitness before deciding on his involvement in the friendly against Northern Ireland, with Leeds United and the national team still managing him carefully.

According to yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk, the winger is one of four Leeds players still on duty after Thursday’s World Cup play-off semi-final defeat to Bosnia on penalties. James put his side 1-0 up with a long-range strike, did not finish the 90 minutes, and Brennan Johnson and Neco Williams later missed in the shootout.

Despite elimination, Wales must play twice during the international window and will host the other semi-final losers, Northern Ireland, on Tuesday night. It is unclear whether head coach Craig Bellamy will go full strength or rotate. He could also start Karl Darlow, Joe Rodon and Ethan Ampadu.

Before the play-off, James had started only one Leeds match since suffering a hamstring tendon injury in November. Bellamy has signalled a cautious approach given the lack of recent minutes and an illness before camp.

The head coach felt James exceeded expectations but he was cramping and had to come off. He would have kept him on for 120 minutes given his performance, but physical limits made that impossible, so staff are checking on him now.

Leeds may take comfort from that stance, while James will hope another club-level start in the FA Cup at West Ham this weekend can reignite his campaign.

Source: yorkshireeveningpost.co.uk