Joe Allen: Wales and Stoke midfielder could miss Euro 2020 campaign this summer after suffering a major injury of a ruptured Achilles tendon in Stokes win over Hull on Saturday. After colliding with the Hull substitute Dan Batty, this 29-year-old was forced out off the half time in the 5-1 victory. The injury is known to be crucial and has to undergo surgery. It clearly states that he will not be able to participate in the rest of the season as well as the tournament.
It is a major setback not only for the club but also for Wales as they battle to retain their status as champions. Wales were looking strong in the tournament after securing a place in semi-finals four years ago for a second consecutive European Championships finals appearance. Michael O’Neill, stokes boss revealed on his injury stating “It’s devastating for us and devastating for the boy”.
“He’s a great lad and when you’re a coach and a manager, you want the good lads to get the rewards and do well in the game. Joe’s a low maintenance player but a high output player”.
“I know what it means for him to play for Wales and I’m sure he would have been looking forward to the finals and a chance for him to show again that he’s a top, top international player, which he’s proven to be in the past. These things don’t come around often in player’s careers so when it’s taken away from them cruelly with injury, it’s not very nice”.
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Allen has so far represented Swansea City, Wrexham, Liverpool and Stoke City at club level. Popular as a central midfielder, he has been picked 53 times for Wales and was also presenting for his nation’s Euro 2016 campaign. His calm presence and unique ball recycling skills have always remained invaluable for Ryan Giggs’s team, where Michael O’Neil has a great regret with his timing of the injury.
Also, he has been an integral part of the Ryan Gigg’s team, who are all set to appear at the upcoming summer’s international tournament. Wales will play in Group A( Turkey, Italy, and Switzerland).