Rob Page says there is a "strong probability" that Joe Allen will be with Wales at the World Cup next month.
The midfielder missed the Nations League matches against Belgium and Poland in September after suffering a hamstring injury during Swansea City's 3-0 triumph over Hull City in the final game before the international break.
He had been expected to return to action before the end of October, although, having watched Swansea's 2-0 derby triumph over Cardiff City from the dugout on Sunday, Allen went to see a specialist in London this week to get a full update on his situation after suffering a setback.
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It remains unclear if the 32-year-old will feature for Russell Martin's side prior to the Qatar showpiece, although Page is confident that Allen will be fit enough to be included in his 26-man squad for the tournament.
"He's key to us in how we play and he's key to the success that we've had so I get everybody's concern," Page said about Allen at a Q&A session at Cardiff's Senedd building. "I can't do any more than say he's had a little bit of a setback and we're doing everything in our power to make sure he gets on that plane.
"I think there's a strong probability that he will be on the plane. With regards to his fitness and how many minutes he'll have played before that or training sessions, I don't know. That's my only concern with that one."
Allen's fellow Swansea academy graduate Rhys Norrington-Davies will not be included in the World Cup squad after he suffered a significant injury while playing for Sheffield United. The versatile left wing-back has excelled for the Blades this term and has become a key squad player under Page.
However, he is expected to be sidelined for around two months, meaning he will miss out on a place in Wales' World Cup squad. "It's unfortunate we lost Rhys Norrington-Davies last week," said Page.
"He's been immense for Sheffield United. I've seen him two or three times this season and he's been arguably their best player. It's a shame for him.
"When he played against Holland for us in the summer I thought he was outstanding. He gives me that cover if Ben Davies isn't fit. So that's a shame but that opens the door for another defender that maybe hasn't been involved to come back into the fold."
Page is continuing to hold talks with key players including Gareth Bale and Aaron Ramsey who are at Los Angeles and Nice respectively while he admits that - despite being determined to remain loyal to those who helped fire Wales to their first World Cup since 1958 - he remains open to selecting players currently hitting top form.
Swansea's Ollie Cooper has scored three times in his last four matches in the Championship while others including Millwall striker Tom Bradshaw, Wigan Athletic's Nathan Broadhead and Birmingham City's Jordan James have impressed of late.
"I don't think there's going to be too many surprises if I'm being honest," Page said when asked about picking his squad. "I'm going to stay loyal to the lads that have got us there.
"Having said that, if there's injuries and unfortunate circumstances that make a player not make the plane, then the door is never closed. I'm always out monitoring players.
"We've got Welsh players scoring goals at the minute at Championship level, and it's been noted. If they're doing well at club level, they stand a chance of playing for us."
Wales kick-start their World Cup campaign against the United States of America on November 21.
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