PAGE LEFT IN A SWEAT OVER KEY MAN ALLEN

to be fit, with the 32-year-old even having a hyperbaric oxygen chamber in his house.

He joined the Wales squad for a lighthearted kickabout at the start of training yesterday but then broke off to work with medic Sean Connelly while the rest of the squad carried out drills and worked on their shape.

It continues to put a doubt against Allen being ready in time to return to start at the Ahmed bin Ali Stadium on Monday evening.

The Swansea midfielder’s race against time has echoes of Joe Ledley’s battle to be fit, which included using an oxygen chamber, for Euro 2016, where he went on to help the side to the last four. Manager Page (left) seems determined to pick Allen if possible and said: “If he’s fit, he’s playing. He’s massive for how I play and the success we’ve had. “He’s a senior lad, he’s got vast amounts of experience playing tournament football as well. He knows the game inside-out and that is invaluable.”

JOE ALLEN is training on his own in a desperate fitness battle with time running out to make Wales’ World Cup opener.

Boss Rob Page included Allen (above) in his 26-man squad for Qatar even though he has not played since September 17 because of a hamstring injury.

Page admits he took Allen even though he might not be ready for Wales’ first game against USA on Monday night.

It will be the nation’s first World Cup match in 64 years and Allen is desperate