Gareth Bale has been omitted from the Real Madrid squad that will be traveling to Russia to take on CSKA Moscow in Tuesday's UEFA Champions League clash. The 29-year-old winger suffered a muscle injury and was substituted off prior to the start of the second half of Real Madrid's clash with Atletico Madrid which ended in 0-0 on Saturday.
"Gareth had an issue with his abductor in the first half," Real manager Julen Lopetegui confirmed in his post-match assessment. "It made sense to take him off as a precaution."
The extent of Bale's injury is yet to be determined and this does not bid well for the Real Madrid fans who have witnessed the winger's renaissance this season. Having had his career plagued with recurring injuries since moving to Spain, the Welshman, before his recent injury, had enjoyed a period of stability augmented with a consistent top form.
Following Cristiano Ronaldo's move to Juventus, Bale has stepped into the Portuguese winger's vacant post and has so far contributed three goals and two assists in La Liga alone. The former Tottenham Hotspur sensation will not be the only player that will be unavailable for selection.
Manager Julen Lopetegui would have to deal with the headache of finding capable replacements for skipper Sergio Ramos, Marcelo, and Isco. The trio was not included in the squad list as they are currently convalescing from respective injuries.
Here's our 20-man squad for the trip to face @PFCCSKA_en. #RMUCL pic.twitter.com/88Co9n3BSa
— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) September 30, 2018
