Connor Roberts Returns as Wales Lose to Romania

Connor Roberts returned to the Wales senior side as a substitute in a 2-1 friendly defeat to Romania in Bucharest, 362 days after his last appearance for club or country. Roberts missed the entire 2025-26 campaign with an Achilles injury. During his absence Burnley were relegated from the Premier League and Wales failed to qualify for the World Cup. "It's been very tough," Roberts said. "It's the first real long‑term injury I've ever had, so I've done well to get to the age I have without having one. Then to watch my club not do well and my country fail to qualify, it's been emotional, it's been draining and it's been really hard." Head coach Craig Bellamy summoned Roberts from the bench in the 60th minute. Fellow substitute David Brooks levelled the score three minutes later, cancelling Florinel Coman's opener. Adrian Rus netted the winner in the 80th minute as Romania secured their first victory since Gheorghe Hagi took charge in April. The loss left Wales winless in four matches in 2026 and extended their away‑friendly drought to 17 games dating back to November 2008. Roberts called his return "brilliant" and said he hopes to keep ticking over during the summer and next season for club and country.