Wales captain Gareth Bale said he is on a "good path" towards full fitness ahead of the World Cup in Qatar, despite not completing a full game since joining Los Angeles FC in June.
Bale signed for the Major League Soccer club after leaving Real Madrid, where he struggled with injury in his last few seasons. He has made only two starts in his 11 appearances for LAFC, scoring twice.
Wales, who will play their first World Cup finals in 64 years, begin their campaign against the United States on November 21 and the 33-year-old forward expected his fitness to be much improved by then.
"I think I'll be a lot fitter," Bale told reporters on Wednesday. "I haven't played 90 minutes yet, which is what we're building up to and getting the training loaded.
"We're on a good path to where I want to be. I want to try and play 90 minutes as much as I can, but I understand that I need to build up to get to that level. I haven't done it an awful lot in the last few years."
Wales, who also face England and Iran in World Cup Group B, take on Belgium in Brussels in the Nations League later on Thursday.
Paris St Germain picked up where they left off following last season’s Champions League triumph as they kicked off their new campaign with an impressive 4-0 win over Atalanta at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday.
Liverpool captain Virgil van Dijk headed home a last-gasp goal in stoppage time to lead Arne Slot's men to a thrilling 3-2 victory over Atletico Madrid in the opening game of their Champions League campaign on Wednesday at Anfield.
Pakistan delayed their match against the UAE by an hour on Wednesday after considering a withdrawal from the Asia Cup in protest at a match referee whom they say condoned unsportsmanlike behaviour by India at the weekend.
Portuguese club Benfica are set to name Jose Mourinho as its head coach following the sacking of Bruno Lage in the aftermath of their 3-2 Champions League defeat by Qarabag, Portuguese TV station RTP reported on Wednesday.
Celebrating a history-making year in completing the career Grand Slam at Augusta National, Rory McIlroy has confirmed his return to Emirates Golf Club to headline the 2026 Hero Dubai Desert Classic, taking place from January 22–25, 2026.