Giggs set for Ukraine return

Ryan Giggs is an inspirational figure for Wales

Wales manager Mark Hughes remains confident that Ryan Giggs will recover in time to play in the second of Wales' two World Cup qualifying matches.

A combination of injury and illness has kept the Manchester United star on the sidelines since 21 February, and Hughes is resigned to the fact that Giggs will not be fit to face Armenia on Saturday.

But it would appear that Hughes has struck a deal with Manchester United manager Alex Ferguson to allow Giggs to link up in time for the game with Ukraine in Cardiff on March 28th.

"Ryan won't be involved against Armenia, but I'm very hopeful he'll be involved against Ukraine," said Hughes.

Risk

"It wasn't really feasible for Ryan to come out with us.

"Because of his recent history with his hamstring, it was too much of a risk to ask the lad to come out there after not having played any football and he's obviously still getting treatment for the injury as well.

"To ask him to sit on a plane for nine hours wouldn't have done him or the team any good.

"Sit it makes sense to leave him at home to let him get a good week's training under his belt and join us when he gets back on Sunday."

Recovering

Considering Giggs' lengthy enforced absence because of a hamstring injury and a bout of flu, Hughes will be satisfied to have his inspirational presence on the field for at least one of the two Group Five qualifying matches.

The Wales manager said he was confident that his close working relationship with Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson would ensure the full co-operation of the club's medical staff in getting Giggs fit as soon as possible.

Other injury problems concern goalkeeper Roger Freestone who will miss both games after he was concussed playing for Swansea on Saturday, and Nottingham Forrest midfielder Andy Johnson (ankle).

Blackburn Rovers striker Nathan Blake and Robbie savage are both still recovering from injury, but Aston Villa's Mark Delaney reported fit for training on Monday despite fears about a ankle problem.

Competitive

Wales currently lie in fourth place in Group Five with only two points from three games, while Armenia are bottom on just one point.

But Hughes stressed that his team face a tough challenge in the former Russian state.

"The amount of points Armenia have got doesn't reflect the manner in which they've performed," he said.

"They're a workmanlike side and they've been unlucky not to have more points on the board. It's going to be a difficult game for us."

The team's preparations will not be helped by the fact, due to a shortage of facilities, they will only be able to hold one training session in Armenia before Saturday's game.

"That's not ideal," admitted Hughes, "but we'll just have to do as much work as possible before going out there.

"I realise it's going to be a tough schedule for the players, but it's vital we get a decent result in the first game in order to set up the second game."