Wales manager Robert Page has confirmed that captain Gareth Bale will play no part in Tuesday's decisive World Cup qualifier against Belgium.

The Real Madrid forward was taken off at half-time in Saturday's 5-1 win over Belarus, and has not been included in the squad of 23 for the game in Cardiff.

The 32 year-old had not played for two months prior to that game because of a hamstring tear, and Page had already indicated that Bale would only have been used as a substitute.

"The plan was always for him to get a half in the first game, and then come on and maybe have an impact in the second game," said Page.

"He has not played for a couple of months and to throw him in for that game was a big ask from a physical point of view."

Bale is likely to be replaced by Cardiff City striker Kieffer Moore, who is available after serving a one-match suspension, but defender or midfielder Ethan Ampadu is banned following his yellow card against Belarus.

Aaron Ramsey, who is expected to captain Wales against Belgium, said: "Opportunities to qualify for a World Cup won't come along very often, it might be the last time we have an opportunity as good as this.

"Our target was to finish second in our group, that hasn't changed. If we manage to get a result on Tuesday we will have achieved it."

Wales are second in Group E, three points ahead of the third-placed Czech Republic, who are favourites to beat Estonia on Tuesday.

Already assured of a play-off place, having won their Nations League group last year, Wales must finish second in their World Cup qualifying group to get a home a draw.

They currently have a goal difference two better than the Czechs, but face a tough test against the Group E leaders, who have already secured top spot.

Manager Roberto Martinez, however, will be without Chelsea striker Romelu Lukaku, Leicester City midfielder Youri Tielemans, Real Madrid pair Eden Hazard and Thibaut Courtois and Lyon centre-back Jason Denayer.

"We have worked for two years developing a new group and we feel they are ready, and we will see what they can bring to this squad 12 months away from the World Cup," said Martinez.

Wales have lost just two of their past 19 World Cup qualifying matches (winning nine and drawing eight) and are unbeaten in their past six since losing to Belgium in March.

But Belgium have won 20 of their past 23 away matches in World Cup and Euros qualifying, with their only defeat in that run coming against Wales in June 2015.

A point for Wales will be enough to secure them a top-two spot in the group.