striker

Wrexham striker Kieffer Moore has been ruled out of Wales’ World Cup play-offs with a hamstring injury.

The 33-year-old had been a major doubt since sustaining a tendon split during the FA Cup defeat against Chelsea earlier this month.

Having missed subsequent Championship matches against Hull City and Swansea City, Moore is not expected to return to action until April.

That means he will be unavailable for Wales’ World Cup play-off semi-final against Bosnia-Herzegovina on 26 March and, if they win that game, their play-off final against Italy or Northern Ireland five days later.

“Kieffer’s not going to be right for the internationals, which is a blow for him and for Wales,” said Wrexham manager Phil Parkinson.

“He’s got this tendon injury which he feels OK with, but he’s shown up on the scan and it’s one of those injuries that, up to 80-85% you’re fine, but if you extend beyond that you make yourself susceptible to muscle injuries.”

Welbeck has impressed this season and is currently the club’s top goalscorer with 11 goals in 30 appearances, the latest coming in Sunday’s 2-1 win over Nottingham Forest.

His performances have put him in contention for an England recall in the lead up to this summer’s World Cup, with boss Thomas Tuchel revealing before the qualifiers in November he gave serious consideration to handing Welbeck a place in his squad.

Tuchel names his next squad – the last before selecting his World Cup party – later this month.

Brighton manager Fabian Hurzeler has made clear his desire to ensure Welbeck stays at the club in recent weeks.

Welbeck joined Brighton in October 2020 after leaving Watford and has since scored 48 goals in 191 appearances.