Emotional Return: Luton Captain Tom Lockyer Makes Inspiring Comeback After Heart Surgery to Lead Wales in Decisive Euro 2024 Qualifier Against Latvia

Daniel James will be absent from Wales' crucial Euro 2024 qualifier against Latvia next month due to an adductor injury. However, Tom Lockyer rejoins the squad for the first time since his heart scare in May. James will also miss the friendly match against South Korea in Cardiff four days before the clash in Riga on September 11.

James, who has been capped 45 times, has established himself as a consistent presence since his debut in 2018. He started an impressive run of 34 consecutive competitive games before it came to an end in November. Wales manager Rob Page has recently announced a 25-man squad for the upcoming September matches, aiming to rejuvenate the Dragons' hopes of qualifying for Euro 2024.

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Leeds' Daniel James will be unavailable for the international matches.

Wales' recent consecutive losses to Armenia and Turkey in June have posed a significant challenge in their quest to secure a direct qualification for the tournament in Germany next summer.

Brennan Johnson, the Nottingham Forest forward who is being pursued by Tottenham, has been named in the squad. Additionally, Lockyer has made a return to the team following his absence. Luton's 28-year-old captain collapsed shortly after the start of the Hatters' victory over Coventry in the Sky Bet Championship play-off final at Wembley.

Lockyer had surgery to treat an irregular heartbeat, but he has now recovered and resumed his role as the leader of Luton in their inaugural Premier League season.

David Brooks, who scored for Bournemouth in the Carabao Cup on Tuesday, marking his first goal at the senior level since his return from treatment for stage two Hodgkin lymphoma earlier this year, is also in attendance.

Tottenham defender Ben Davies is available after missing the 2-0 Euro qualifying defeat to Turkey in June due to the birth of his first child.

Analysis: Only a win will do against Latvia

Senior reporter Geraint Hughes from We News reports that Wales has been enjoying a prosperous period for several years. However, recent results have dealt a blow not only to their aspirations of automatically qualifying for Euro 2024 but also to the expectations and confidence of their fans.

The June loss against Armenia, a 4-2 defeat at home, proved to be a major setback. Rob Page, fully aware of the immense pressure as a manager to deliver results and secure qualification for major tournaments, finds his job at stake. He firmly emphasizes that the players must deliver a strong performance and achieve a positive outcome in the upcoming match against Latvia in Riga on September 11th.

Wales must secure a victory in order to strengthen their chances of automatic qualification for the Euros. They are currently competing with Croatia and Turkey, and it is evident that Wales cannot afford to lose any more points. With two defeats already in this campaign, they are approaching their limit. If they experience any more losses, Wales will probably have to pursue a play-off route to Germany next year. While the absence of Gareth Bale's impactful presence on the field is felt, it is the defensive aspect of their game that leaves many puzzled.

Wales proved to be a formidable team to overcome, not only in recent tournaments, but also in the ongoing Euro 2024 campaign. Their initial matches against Croatia and Latvia showcased their disciplined and efficient style of play. However, their encounter with Armenia has generated some unease.

Page endeavors to maximize the potential of his top players. Aaron Ramsey, who has repeatedly expressed that his family means everything to him, is reportedly content in Cardiff and cherishes the opportunity to be close to them.

Brennan Johnson, regardless of transfer speculation, should be placed in positions where he can score goals. With only two goals from 20 international caps, his young talent should have yielded better results. Wales requires him to contribute to their scoring efforts.

Furthermore, the defense requires stability and strength. The return of Tom Lockyer to the squad, following his earlier struggles this year, adds competition for positions in the back four or five, ultimately strengthening the team's defensive options.

The bottom line for Rob Page and Wales, simple. Only a win will do against Latvia.