The news comes as a big blow to Ryan Giggs - who was hoping the 28-year-old would regain match fitness after not featuring in the national side for 11 months.

Wales fought to a creditable draw at home against Croatia but qualification for Euro 2020 is now out of their hands. 

TOM COLLOMOSSE AT THE CARDIFF CITY STADIUM: Gareth Bale had Wales daring to dream of a Euro 2020 place, on a night when Daniel James suffered a sickening blow to the head.

France and Portugal are among a number of teams who can book their spot at Euro 2020 next summer on a busy night of qualifying action across the continent. Follow all the action as it happens.

CRAIG HOPE IN TBILSI: The subject of Aaron Connolly and whether he will start the Brighton teenager caused McCarthy to bristle, even though he hinted that will be the case.

Ryan and Daniel James have been accused of abusing concussion protocols after the Manchester United forward suffered a head injury during Wales's 1-1 draw with Croatia.

Real Madrid's Modric, who lined up against Bale for Croatia on Sunday, has emphasised his team-mate's importance to the La Liga giants and is eager for him to remain at the club.

As we reach a pivotal stage in Euro 2020 qualification matches, several teams are on the cusp of confirming their spot spot in next year's tournament. Sportsmail brings you the action, live.

CRAIG HOPE AT STADE DE GENEVE: Republic of Ireland will have to beat Denmark in Dublin next month if they are to avoid the Euro 2020 playoffs after another uninspiring night here in Switzerland.

EXCLUSIVE BY MATT HUGHES AND HARRY SLAVIN: Former Wales winger David Cotterill is yet to apply for charitable status for the foundation that carries his name, Sportsmail can reveal.

ALVISE CAGNAZZO IN ITALY: The Caerphilly-born midfielder is muscular yet fragile and at the age of 30, he finds rapid physical recovery difficult to achieve, which has raised fears among supporters.

Italy coach Roberto Mancini has refused to rule out handing Euro 2020 call ups to Gianluigi Buffon and Daniele de Rossi despite the pair not featuring in the Azzurri's qualification campaign.

The hosts of the 2030 World Cup will only have six years to prepare for the tournament. The FIFA Council decided at a meeting Thursday that the bidding process will be launched in 2022.

The Welshman looked set to leave in the summer following interest from the Chinese Super League but while a move collapsed, reports in Spain say his team will make an effort to leave in January.

Gareth Bale faces a race against time to prove he is fully fit for Wales' decisive Euro 2020 qualifiers later this month. The Real Madrid forward has not played since Wales' 1-1 draw with Croatia.

A calf injury has ruled him out of Real's last four games in all competitions, and he won't feature at home to Galatasaray in the Champions League on Wednesday, according to Real manager Zidane.

Gareth Bale has been named in the Wales squad for the decisive Euro 2020 qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Hungary despite a calf problem. He has not played since October 13.

Former Wales manager Chris Coleman is eager to get back into management after a spell in the Chinese Super League with Hebei China Fortune.

The 30-year-old has not featured for the La Liga giants since Wales' 1-1 draw with Croatia on October 13 due to a calf injury. But Bale was included in the Wales squad this week.

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has revealed that the pair are not ready to feature for Real Madrid in their clash against Eibar on Saturday evening.

A number of teams have released the shirts they will be wearing at Euro 2020 next summer. The likes of Spain, Italy, Germany and Belgium have all unveiled their kits.

Gareth Bale trained with the Wales squad ahead of their decisive Euro 2020 qualifiers against Azerbaijan and Hungary. Real Madrid star Bale has not played since suffering a calf injury.

Wales defender Ben Davies confirmed Bale completed Tuesday's session in its entirety and he now seems certain to start against Azerbaijan in Baku on Saturday, despite missing the past month.

TOM COLLOMOSSE: The Wigan forward is expected to lead the line for Ryan Giggs' side in the Euro 2020 qualifier against Azerbaijan on Saturday.

The UEFA-appointed female translator was removed following the bizarre question with concerns that she didn't possess the knowledge or experience, according to The Sun.

Gareth Bale heads into Wales' decisive Euro 2020 qualifiers admitting he is more excited to play for his country than Real Madrid. Bale has been at the centre of a Spanish media storm.

Sportsmail's DANIEL DAVIS will provide live coverage including score, lineups and build-up, with full commentary of Spain vs Malta and Bosnia vs Italy.

Wales face Azerbaijan on Saturday afternoon knowing that nothing less than victroy can keep alive their hopes of automatic qualification for Euro 2020. Follow the action here with KIERAN JACKSON.

TOM COLLOMOSSE IN BAKU: Wales comfortably beat Azerbaijan in their penultimate Euro 2020 qualification match to set up an almighty showdown against Hungary in Cardiff.

Ryan Giggs appears finally to have discovered a successful formula for Wales - and he is within touching distance of being able to use it on one of football's greatest stages.

Gareth Bale believes Wales reaching the European Championship next summer could trump the achievement of playing at Euro 2016. Wales ended a 58-year wait in 2016.

TOM COLLOMOSSE IN CARDIFF: If Giggs guides his team to victory over Hungary in the winner-takes-all clash and secures a place at Euro 2020, it will be a significant achievement.

Sportsmail provide you with everything you need to know for Euro 2020 play-offs including when they will begin, how the play-offs work, play-offs format, teams involved and more.

Chelsea midfielder Jorginho likened Italy's current side to Brazil due to their attacking flair, creativity and goalscoring prowess following their 9-1 win over Armenia. 

After a career in top-level football spanning nearly three decades, Ryan Giggs will finally fulfil his dream of competing at a major tournament with Wales.

Gareth Bale poked fun at Aaron Ramsey's lack of game time in Wales' Euro 2020 qualifying campaign after his double against Hungary booked their spot at next year's tournament.

Gareth Bale risked further upsetting the Real Madrid hierarchy as he danced with a Welsh flag bearing the lyrics to the song 'Wales. Golf. Madrid. In that order'.

The forward posed with a flag with the words 'Wales, golf, Madrid... in that order' on it after securing Euro 2020 qualification on Tuesday night after fans sang a song with those lyrics.

Next summer's European Championship is really taking shape, with 20 of the 24 nations now confirmed for the finals. We profile each of the qualifiers so far here.

The Wales star helped his country qualify for next summer's European Championships during the international break, and was snapped with the contentious flag while celebrating.

PETE JENSON IN MADRID: Gareth Bale was back in training for Real Madrid on the day Marca's front page accused him of being: 'irresponsible, wrong, ungrateful. In that order.'

Sir Alex Ferguson has praised Wales boss Ryan Giggs and revealed his pride at the former Manchester United winger enjoying managerial success.

The Spanish media are still raging over Gareth Bale's celebrations this week where he appeared to mock Real Madrid with a banner unfurled after his country had booked their place at Euro 2020.

Bale posed with a flag with the words 'Wales, golf, Madrid... in that order' on it after Wales secured Euro 2020 qualification last week. His celebrations have led to controversy in Spain.

TOM COLLOMOSSE: Wales fans face a nightmare odyssey across Europe - including three separate trips to Baku - if they repeat Euro 2016 and reach the semi-finals of Euro 2020.

The draw for Euro 2020 takes place in Bucharest at 5pm on Saturday evening and is live on BBC2 for UK viewers. Sportsmail take you through all you need to know for the draw.

BY JOE BERNSTEIN IN BUCHAREST: Wales boss Ryan Giggs revealed his delight at avoiding an opening Euro 2020 game away to Italy after Saturday's draw in Bucharest.

Gareth Bale has recently been criticised back in Madrid for showing more interest in golf than football and arranges rounds during time off when on duty with Wales.

On Wednesday night, Zinedine Zidane's side enjoyed a break from their arduous schedule by hitting the town and going out for a squad meal to celebrate Christmas.

The FA have announced that England are set to face Italy on the 27th March at Wembley Stadium. It comes as they continue their preparations for the Euro 2020 which kicks off in June.