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Albania vs Wales could be CANCELLED: Latest updates as thunderstorms hit before clash
WALES’ clash with Albania tonight could be under threat as thunderstorms continue to rage over southern Europe.
Ryan Giggs prepared to 'try new players' for Albania clash
Albania host Wales in a friendly in Elbasan at 7pm tonight.
The game is part of manager Ryan Giggs’ preparations for European Championship qualifying, which starts in March.
Wales are in Albania for the fixture but it could be a sodden affair in Elbasan if the weather keeps up.
So is the game in doubt? Check below for the latest updates…
Albania vs Wales latest updates
The Welsh squad are in Albania for the game tonight but, as of 4pm, are not yet in Elbasan.
Wales’ official twitter account posted images of the scenes in the capital Tirana.
Thunderstorms have rumbled over the Mediterranean country all day.
And more rain is expected to fall at the 12,800-capacity Elbasan Arena tonight.
Wales tweeted: “It’s thunderstorms and rain here in Tirana.
“The same conditions are expected in Elbasan this evening where #Wales take on #Albania.”
Will the game be postponed?
The match is currently expected to go ahead as planned, although the match officials have the authority to check the pitch ahead of kick off.
The referee can opt to go out on the field with a ball to see if it runs freely on the pitch.
Should the ball not run freely, it is likely that part of the pitch would be waterlogged and therefore not fit to play on.
The Elbasan Arena has previously hosted an international match in heavy rainfall.
Back in 2015, Serbia beat Albania 2-0 in a European Championship qualifier in drenched conditions.
Officials then decided the pitch was fit to play on and the game went ahead despite the downpour.