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The replacement of Gareth Bale at halftime during Wales’ 1-0 win in Finland was planned in advance, according to manager Ryan Giggs.
But Giggs dispelled any fears the 31-year-old might have been injured before Sunday’s home game against Bulgaria.
“It was planned before, he hasn’t played any football,” Giggs said.
Bale appeared only twice with Real Madrid after Spanish soccer was resumed following the suspension of soccer due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Giggs added: “It was a real juggling act choosing the team and Gareth has had the least amount of football of all.
“It was always the plan, 45 minutes, and if it felt good, an hour. But I thought the best thing was potentially considering Sunday to take it out after 45 minutes and give Harry [Wilson], who has not had much football either, some minutes too “.
Former Wales forward Nathan Blake says Bale’s lack of fitness can only be fixed by playing more in games.
“He’s a thoroughbred athlete and it’s okay to train Monday through Friday, but if you’re not playing at the intensity of a match, it doesn’t matter who you are, you’ll always have problems,” Blake told BBC Radio Wales. .
“I made a comment saying that I hadn’t seen him run, which is a rarity.
“It’s what he’s built on, so he’s sure to have some playing time on his lap.”
Kieffer Moore’s late goal in Helsinki gave Wales a winning start to their second Nations League campaign.
The victory brought Giggs’ team to the top of Group B4 after a round of matches, following Thursday’s 1-1 draw between Bulgaria and the Republic of Ireland.
Wales were not at their best in Finland, although it was to be expected as they did not have several first team players like Aaron Ramsey and Joe Allen.
And with several youngsters, including three rookies, Dylan Levitt, Neco Williams and Ben Cabango, impressing in his absence, Giggs was encouraged by his team’s display against a Finnish team that had won nine of their last 10 home games.
“I thought it was a really brave performance, not our usual fluid football that we are capable of, but the merit of Finland, which made it difficult for us,” Giggs said.
“I think it’s the kind of game that we can learn from, but we also have a lot of advantages because in the end we got the result.
“With a clean sheet, you always have opportunities thanks to the players we have and those players produced again, DJ [Daniel James] and Kieffer “.
Blake was encouraged by Wales’ efforts and also praised Moore’s contribution, saying: “He was very strong, very aggressive, held the ball well, won free throws, took pressure off his team when they were under a little pressure and a goal too “.
“I thought Ethan Ampadu was in the back too, playing slightly out of position. I thought he gave a very good account of himself. [There were] some really good performances from some guys yesterday. “
He added: “They have a very good and strong team that they are developing.
“So in a year they will be even better, so I am looking forward not only to the League of Nations, but also to the next European Championship.”
