Chris Coleman believes Gareth Bale missing the Olympic Games due to a back injury will benefit Wales.
The former Fulham defender hopes the Tottenham winger's absence from the Team GB squad will help him reach peak conditon for Wales' upcoming 2014 World Cup qualifiers.
Wales face Bosnia in a friendly on August 15, days before the new Premier League season gets underway and Coleman hopes the 22-year-old will be available for selection.
The former Fulham defender hopes the Tottenham winger's absence from the Team GB squad will help him reach peak conditon for Wales' upcoming 2014 World Cup qualifiers.
Coleman told The Mirror: “I’m quite relieved Gareth is not involved with Team GB because I think he could do with a rest.
“He’s played a lot of football last season and there’s a lot of pressure on him because he’s such a good player.
“He’s such a dynamic player and every game he plays, the amount of ground he covers and the speed he runs at it’s going to take its toll.
“He needs a rest - mentally and physically - and we keep our fingers crossed he will be ready for us.”
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He added: “I wouldn’t be surprised if he makes some appearances in pre-season.
“But light training is a lot different from playing and preparing for competitive games like the Olympics.
“I’m sure he’ll be wrapped in cotton wool and come back fine for us.”
