Wales without key duo for crucial World Cup qualifier as Leeds United star absolutely gutted

Ethan Ampadu was left "gutted" after he and Jordan James picked up yellow cards against Liechtenstein to rule them out of Tuesday night’s do-or-die World Cup qualifier against North Macedonia. Ampadu, captaining his country in the absence of Ben Davies and Aaron Ramsey, was booked in the 86th minute of the 1-0 victory in Vaduz - a decision he insisted was harsh and one that leaves him unavailable for the decisive Group J showdown in Cardiff . It capped a frustrating night for Wales, who got the win they desperately needed but paid a hefty price. Goalscorer James - who struck the second-half winner - was also cautioned just minutes after scoring, triggering an automatic suspension for Tuesday. With both of Craig Bellamy’s first-choice central midfielders now ruled out, Wales face a huge blow ahead of a match they must win to finish second in the group and secure a home semi-final in March’s World Cup play-offs. Speaking to the BBC after the game, Ampadu said: “I am very gutted. It’s annoying because I don’t think I touched the guy - I won the ball. "We needed the win and got it, but it’s frustrating. You’d like to score more goals, but we did what we had to do.” James echoed Ampadu’s frustration, admitting he knew instantly the booking would rule him out of the biggest game of the campaign. “You don’t think about it in the moment,” he said. “They were breaking and I had to stop it. I’m disappointed, but we’ve got enough in the squad to win it on Tuesday. I’ll be right behind the lads.” Wales’ midfield options were already stretched, with injuries to Ramsey and others, and Bellamy has repeatedly admitted his side are not blessed with depth in that area. The head coach was himself suspended for the match in Liechtenstein, leaving assistant Piet Cremers to take charge in the dugout. Cremers said Wales would “adapt” without their two suspended stars but warned of the serious challenge North Macedonia will pose at Cardiff City Stadium. “It’s going to be a hard game,” he said. “They’ve had some really good results. We just have to stay patient, create the opportunities and take them.”