WALES have suffered another defensive hammer blow ahead of their key World Cup qualifier against Serbia after James Collins pulled out of the squad.

Chris Coleman was already hindered by the loss of Spurs defender Ben Davies, who pulled out of the squad for Saturday’s Cardiff City Stadium clash with an ankle problem.

West Ham’s Collins, most likely to step in for the Tottenham man alongside Ashley Williams and James Chester, has joined him in withdrawing.

He has been replaced by MK Dons’ Joe Walsh while full-back Adam Matthews, on loan at Bristol City from Sunderland, was called up for Davies.