Ben Davies will captain Wales in Aaron Ramsey's absence with manager Robert Page acknowledging the Tottenham defender was considered as permanent skipper.
Cardiff City's Ramsey will miss Wales' games against Gibraltar and Croatia with a knee injury.
Davies will now captain the side, having also been considered as Gareth Bale's successor as captain.
"It was close, I'm not going to lie," Page said.
"Of course he was going to be considered. He's not only a great footballer, he's a top bloke and the ultimate professional.