Nations League: Injured Joe Rodon and Dylan Lawlor are absent as Wales call up Cian Ashford

Craig Bellamy has handed a first call-up to Cardiff City forward Cian Ashford for Wales’ return to the top flight of the Nations League but is without key defender Joe Rodon to take on Erling Haaland and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Wales face Portugal, Denmark and Norway in League A of the competition, but will do so without first-choice centre-back Rodon who has been ruled out with a hamstring injury.

Defensive partner Dylan Lawlor is also missing from the 28-man squad – he is yet to appear this season because of a knee problem – as is fellow Cardiff defender Ronan Kpakio.

Leeds United’s Harry Wilson and Wolves midfielder Jordan James return to the squad after missing June’s friendlies with Ghana and Romania through injury, as does Swansea City defender Ben Cabango.

As well as returns for Mark Harris and Liam Cullen, there is a recall for 10-cap winger Wes Burns, now of Leicester City, who could make his first international appearance since 2024.

Wales travel to face Portugal on 24 September in the first of four fixtures in this newly extended international break, with a home match against World Cup quarter-finalists Norway sandwiched by two games with Denmark.

Captain Ben Davies retains his place having been named in the squad for the summer games without featuring.

The 33-year-old defender had not played since a serious ankle injury suffered with Tottenham in January, but has since returned to action for Spurs and is in contention for his first international appearance since October 2025 when he won his 100th cap.

Ashford, 21, gets his chance having impressed in the early stages of the Championship season, as part of attacking options that also include Liverpool’s Lewis Koumas.

Fellow Cardiff forwards Isaak Davies and Rubin Colwill are unavailable for selection because of injury, while there is no place for midfielder Kai Andrews despite his impressive start at Aaron Ramsey’s Oxford United on loan from Coventry City.