GARETH BALE trained apart from his teammates yesterday as Wales continued preparations for their Euro 2016 semifinal against Cristiano Ronaldo’s Portugal tomorrow.

While Bale’s teammates warmed up on the pitch at the team’s training base in Dinard, northwest France, the Real Madrid star and midfielder David Edwards were put through their paces by a fitness coach.

A Football Association of Wales spokesman told AFP that Bale was not injured.

Defender Ben Davies and in-form midfielder Aaron Ramsey were present, despite both being suspended for tomorrow’s game in Lyon.

The only absentee from the 23-man squad was winger David Cotterill, who observes a customised training schedule devised in consultation with his club, Birmingham City.

Wales qualified for the first major tournament semifinal in their history by beating Belgium 3-1 in Lille last Friday.

They are due to train in Dinard again today before travelling to Lyon later in the day.

Portugal could be without Real Madrid star Pepe for the Euro 2016 semi-final with Wales tomorrow.

The controversial centre-back sat out training yesterday as he tries to shake off a thigh problem that is threatening his place in the team.

Portugal press officer Onofre Costa said: “Pepe has a muscle pain in his thigh and is not going to train today as a precaution.”

Pepe draws plenty of stick from Premier League fans for his play acting and cynical fouls but he is highly respected in Spain for his charity contributions off the pitch.

Portugal coach, Fernando Santos, has labelled Wales an “ugly duckling” of the 24-team tournament and admitted he wants to kill them off before they turn into a beautiful swan. — SuperSport/The Sun

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