Blake out of Belarus tie

Blake has been on the treatment table all week

Wales v Belarus at the Millennium Stadium, Cardiff, Saturday 6 October, live on BBC2 Wales, kick-off 1430 BST.

Also live commentary on BBC Radio Wales - listen online

Nathan Blake has been ruled out of Wales' World Cup qualifier against Belarus because of injury.

The Wolves striker reported for international duty on Tuesday, but was sent straight back to his club, who wanted to carry out further treatment on his shin and Achilles injuries.

Blake failed to reappear at the squad's training camp which left manager Mark Hughes with no option but to omit him from his plans.

There's an argument for them being the best team in the group

Mark Hughes on Belarus

Wales' attacking options are already limited by Ryan Giggs' suspension, so the onus will again fall on John Hartson and Craig Bellamy to find the back of the net.

Bellamy's goal against Norway in Wales' last game was his first in this qualifying campaign.

But five goals so far for new club Newcastle has filled him with renewed confidence.

"This has been a frustrating group, for me personally and the team," said Bellamy.

"I was sent off in the away game against Belarus and missed two matches, so I will be trying to do more than my best in the return because of that."

Belarus have yet to win away from home in Group Five and have only managed to score twice.

But Hughes believes their record is not a true reflection of their quality.

He said: "There's an argument for them being the best team in the group, even though they haven't qualified yet.

"It's going to be a very difficult game; they've got players playing at a very high level in Champions League football.

"So we're up against it, but we have to understand that if we want to go anywhere, we have to stand up and be counted, and go out and compete against these teams."

Wales' only other injury worry concerns defender Kit Symons.

Pembridge plays a vital role for Wales in midfield

The Fulham centre-back is a major doubt because of a hamstring injury picked up during the week.

Cardiff's Daniel Gabbidon has been promoted from the under-21 squad as cover.

Robbie Savage is suspended, but captain Gary Speed is expected to return to the midfield after missing the last two games through injury.

Mark Pembridge should finally claim his 40th cap after proving his fitness for Everton last Saturday.

But with Wales only playing for pride, Hughes confirmed he might the use the occasion to experiment with a few players playing out of position.

"But it's not a case of throwing people in who are not quite ready," Hughes stressed.

"It's still an important World Cup qualifying game, so we'll view it as that."

Take a look back at the highs and lows of Wales' World Cup qualifying campaign in What Mark? on BBC1 Wales, Saturday 6 October, 2310-0000 BST.