Wales vs Spain LIVE - What time does it start, TV channel, where can I watch it, team news, odds and more
Wales face the tough ask of trying to beat Spain without talisman Gareth Bale in their international friendly this evening as the two sides collide at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff.
The Real Madrid forward is absent due to what manager Ryan Giggs described as “muscle fatigue”, but the Welsh camp still hope to have him back in time for Tuesday’s important Nations League encounter with the Republic of Ireland. Before that though, they get a chance to take on Luis Enrique’s resurgent Spanish side who are continuing their attempts to put their World Cup debacle behind them.
Wales are also without midfielder Joe Ledley and defenders Paul Dummett and Tom Lockyer, but Spain are not without their own issues. Barcelona left-back Jordi Alba will miss out along with Bale’s Madrid teammate Isco, while Diego Costa and Dani Carvajal are also not expected to feature. Follow the live action below...
The hosts have also named their starting line-up. Precocious Chelsea midfielder Ethan Ampadu starts ahead of what appears to be a back five. No Gareth Bale for Wales - Bale is struggling with a groin issue and hasn't trained since joining up with the squad.
The visitors have named their team for tonight's fixture. Jose Gaya and Dani Ceballos win their second caps, while Rodri wins his third in midfield. The rejuvenated Paco Alcacer has been in rampant goalscoring form at Borussia Dortmund and starts on the wing, with Alvaro Morata leading the line.
Good afternoon and welcome to The Independent's live coverage of today's international friendly between Wales and Spain, brought to you from Cardiff's Principality Stadium.
With kick-off scheduled for 7.45pm, we'll begin our in-depth build up at 7pm to bring you all the team news, updates and atmosphere ahead of the clash, before minute-by-minute coverage of the encounter.
But in the mean time, read Tom Williams' match preview, as Ryan Giggs called on his squad to make the most of Gareth Bale's absence and prove that Wales are more than just a one-man team.
