London 2012: Gareth Bale ruled out of Olympics through injury

Tottenham Hotspur winger Gareth Bale has been ruled out of the London 2012 Olympics after aggravating a back injury in training.

Bale was set to be announced in Stuart Pearce’s 18-man squad on Monday but has been forced to withdraw following medical advice.

His absence will not upset the Football Association of Wales, who are opposed to a British team competing at the Games, but will not assist organisers in helping shift seats for Team GB’s group clash with Uruguay in Cardiff on 1 August, although Welsh players Ryan Giggs and Aaron Ramsey are expected to be named in Pearce’s squad.

“I want to play in the Olympics,” said Bale last year. “I think it would be a great experience.

“You see it with the British and Irish Lions in the rugby, they come together as a unit and play against other countries. It’s great and there’s no reason why that can’t happen with the football.

“At the moment Wales haven’t qualified for a major tournament in I don’t know how many years so it would be nice to play in one against the best countries in the world.”

Bale signed a new four-year contract at Tottenham last week after months of speculation over his future.

© Sportsbeat 2012

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