Gareth Bale's ill-fate with injury was witnessed once again after the Welshman failed to play the full 90 minutes against Atletico Madrid on Saturday. Following an injury to his right groin muscle, the 29-year-old winger was replaced by Dani Ceballos at half-time.
Real Madrid endured the whole of the second half against Atletico Madrid without him although they failed to capitalize on Barcelona's draw with Athletic Club to move to the top of La Liga. Los Blancos are set to take on CSKA Moscow in the UEFA Champions League in mid-week and, at the moment, the involvement of Gareth Bale, who already has a goal in the tournament, cannot be confirmed nor denied .
Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui, speaking after the 0-0 draw with Atletico, confirmed that Bale's injury was indeed muscle related.
"We're going to wait till tomorrow for Bale. It seems that he had muscular discomfort and we subbed him off as a precaution."
Director of Real Madrid Emilio Butragueno also reportedly revealed Bale's injury as one affecting his abductor muscle.
Real Madrid director Butragueño: "Bale has pain in the adductor muscle and we will see how it evolves."
— M•A•J (@Ultra_Suristic) September 29, 2018
The injury is indeed a massive blow for Gareth Bale who, after struggling with injuries in the past, has hit the ground running this season. The former Tottenham Hotspur player has stepped up to fill the void left by Cristiano Ronaldo who left for Juventus this summer. His importance his seen in the fact he has managed three goals and two assists in La Liga this season.
His home country Wales, on the other hand, will also be hoping for goods from the pending tests as they will require the service of the Real Madrid stalwart. The Dragons are set for an international friendly with Spain on October 11. This will be followed by a UEFA Nations League clash with the Republic of Ireland on October 17.
