JOE LEDLEY is on schedule to complete a remarkable recovery from a broken leg after being "fully integrated" back into Wales training at their Brittany base.
Ledley fractured his left leg playing for Crystal Palace on May 7, but the midfielder could now be given the all-clear to play against Slovakia in Wales' Euro 2016 opener on Saturday. Fellow midfielder Joe Allen and striker Hal Robson-Kanu have also returned to training after missing last weekend's 3-0 friendly defeat in Sweden.
"Joe has been on the pitch, doing everything the rest of the players are doing," said Wales manager Chris Coleman of Ledley's progress.
"If you get a kick on it, that is a question mark. But he has done exactly the same session, the same duration, everything the same as the other players. He is good."
Allen was a late substitute in Liverpool's 3-1 Europa League final defeat to Sevilla on May 18, but he has since been troubled by a knee problem. Robson-Kanu suffered an ankle injury during Wales' pre-Euros training camp in Portugal two weeks ago and his fitness had also been a concern to Coleman and his management staff.
"All three came through a session yesterday, they are fully integrated with the squad and it is positive news," said Coleman.
"We are monitoring them daily but, as we speak, all three are good. They are lacking game time, obviously, but, physically, they look good. They are training with the squad, we expect them there again tomorrow and, if it stays the same, they will be available for the weekend."
Wales open their campaign - their first match at a major tournament for 58 years - in Bordeaux after losing three and drawing one of their four friendlies since securing Euro 2016 qualification in October. Slovakia were held to a goalless draw by Northern Ireland in their final Euro 2016 warm-up game.
But Jan Kozak's side are unbeaten in eight matches and won 3-1 away to World Cup holders Germany last month: "We know it's a tough test against a very good Slovakian team," said Coleman.
"Slovakia will probably be favourites on Saturday because they're a good team and had some great results. If you look at the four teams in the group, then we are the underdogs. But that doesn't mean we can't get enough points and progress because we're capable of that. We know why we're here, but what's coming is something we've never experienced. It's a huge challenge for us and one we deserve. This is what we've been screaming for."
Coleman pinned the blame on himself for the morale-damaging defeat in Stockholm last Sunday: "It was the first time in two years we have been really under par, but it was my fault," said Coleman.
"I arranged the game and I knew it would be tough, but I felt we needed minutes on the pitch. After a defeat, you can look for intricate excuses. But the players know why it happened."
