Aaron Ramsey will miss Wales’ Nations League clash with Republic of Ireland for “family reasons”.
The Arsenal midfielder played the full 90 minutes in Wales’ 4-1 friendly defeat to Spain on Thursday, but the Football Association of Wales has confirmed that he will sit out the match in Dublin.
No official reason has been given for Ramsey’s absence, but his wife Coleen is expecting twins.
The 27-year-old has been replaced by Swansea City’s Daniel James, who had been with the Under-21 squad.
Defender Ben Davies has backed David Brooks to fill the void left by Bale.
Giggs must now also decide on cover for Ramsey, who played the full 90 minutes in the friendly with Spain.
Wales are also without the versatile Ethan Ampadu and defender Chris Mepham while Giggs earlier called up Gwion Edwards and Kieron Freeman as cover.
So far in Group B4, Giggs’ side lost 2-0 to Denmark in September after beating the Republic, who drew with the Danes on Saturday.
Bristol City midfielder Callum O’Dowda is a fitness doubt to face Wales, with Republic manager Martin O’Neill adding Portsmouth striker Ronan Curtis to his squad.