Wales boss Chris Coleman resigned to being without Joe Allen for Georgia game

07 October 2016 08:08

Wales face another World Cup midfield headache with Joe Allen set to miss Sunday's home game against Georgia.

Arsenal playmaker Aaron Ramsey has yet to feature in this campaign because of a hamstring injury, and Allen joined the casualty list during Thursday's 2-2 draw with Austria in Vienna.

Stoke midfielder Allen kept up his goalscoring touch for club and country with a superb 22nd-minute strike, but limped off early in the second half after feeling a twinge in his hamstring.

"We could have gambled and kept him on, but we don't want to do that," Wales manager Chris Coleman said.

"He'll be assessed over the next 24-48 hours and it's how he reacts, but if we see anything on the scan we won't gamble.

"He is Stoke's player and we have to respect that.

"We probably won't have Joe (against Georgia) and we already don't have Rambo, but that's how it is.

"Have we got enough without them? Yes, we have, so we won't be making excuses."

Marko Arnautovic cancelled out Allen's volley within six minutes, but Wales restored their lead on the stroke of half-time from the most unlikely of avenues.

Gareth Bale's long throw caused confusion in the Austria penalty area as Sam Vokes flicked on and James Chester prodded goalwards.

Austria goalkeeper Robert Almer pushed the ball out but the rebound struck defender Kevin Wimmer and crossed the line for an unfortunate own goal.

"Sometimes you've got to find different ways," Coleman said.

"I don't think anyone expected that from Gareth. I don't think the Austrians expected it, and we caused unrest in their defensive line from set-plays.

"They looked a little bit uneasy from Gareth's long throws and you have to score all types of goals.

"I've been with Gareth for four or five years and that was the first time I'd known about his long throw, but it came off."

Wales, however, could not hold on to their lead as Arnautovic equalised again within three minutes of the restart.

But Coleman said after Wales retained top spot in the group on goal difference: "It's a point gained.

"Look at our performance. It wasn't our best in terms of quality with the ball.

"We gave away a lot of possession, made mistakes and looked indecisive.

"It's not something you can say about this side on too many occasions.

"But to come here and take a point against a side who will be there or thereabouts is good."

Source: PA