5 talking points ahead of Wales’ World Cup qualifier with the Czech Republic

Wales welcome the Czech Republic to Cardiff for their second 2022 World Cup qualifier on Tuesday.

Robert Page’s side already have ground to make up after losing their opener in Belgium and the Czechs taking four points from two games.

Here, the PA news agency looks at the main talking points surrounding the Group E clash.

Wales woe

Hal Robson-Kanu, Rabbi Matondo and Tyler Roberts were sent home on Monday for breaching Football Association of Wales protocol. Leeds striker Roberts later apologised on social media – in a post which has since been deleted – for staying up too late and breaking a curfew at the team hotel. It was the last thing caretaker boss Robert Page needed with manager Ryan Giggs still absent due to assault allegations, which he denies, with the Wales squad appearing to lurch from one crisis to the next.

Bale drought

Wales v Bulgaria – UEFA Nations League – Group 4 – League B – Cardiff City Stadium
Wales’ record goalscorer Gareth Bale has not scored for his country since October 2019 (David Davies/PA)

Moore or less

Slovakia v Wales – UEFA Euro 2020 Qualifying – Group E – Anton Malatinsky Stadium
Kieffer Moore scored his fifth Wales goal against Mexico on Saturday (Tim Goode/PA)

Soucek danger

Crystal Palace v West Ham United – Premier League – Selhurst Park
West Ham’s Tomas Soucek is a huge goalscoring threat for the Czech Republic (Steven Paston/PA)

Czech-ing in

Rangers v Slavia Prague – UEFA Europa League – Round of Sixteen – Second Leg – Ibrox Stadium
Czech Republic’s Ondrej Kudela (right) is back in the UK with his national team after being accused of racially abusing Rangers midfielder Glen Kamara earlier this month (Andrew Milligan/PA)

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