Aaron Ramsey: Captain of Wales in the World Cup qualifying fitness race

Captain Aaron Ramsey faces a race against time to be fit for the start of Wales’ World Cup qualification campaign.

The Cardiff City midfielder, 34, has been out of action since injuring his hamstring playing for Wales against Montenegro in September.

Originally scheduled to return to action after two months, Ramsey returned to training with Cardiff before suffering a defeat.

Now the former Arsenal and Juventus playmaker could be struggling to return in time for Wales’ opening World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan on 22 March.

“Aaron is still rehabbing,” said Cardiff manager Omer Riza.

“His process was a little slow because he got these injuries when he wasn’t under a lot of pressure about really pushing it.

“He’s just been rehabbing and I think maybe March will be the time for Aaron (to come back).”

Cardiff midfielder David Turnbull is also currently without after the Scotland international underwent surgery on a hamstring injury in December.

The former Celtic player is feared to miss the rest of the season but Riza hopes Turnbull will be available before then.

“At first it looked like it was (the end of the season). It’s still a bit long but he’s had surgery and is walking around,” the Cardiff boss added.

“He hasn’t felt any pain so once that happens he can progress with his strength work and rehab work. Hopefully it will be March or April, so the back end of the season, but there is he has the potential to be featured before the end of the season.”