Soccer

Gareth Bale ruled out for Madrid and could miss Ireland qualifier

Real Madrid star could miss World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland

Real Madrid’s Gareth Bale is an injury concern for Wales. Photograph: Leon Kuegeler/Reuters

Sun Oct 1 2017 - 11:53

Wales face an anxious wait over Gareth Bale after the forward was ruled out of Real Madrid's LaLiga clash with Espanyol on Sunday.

Real announced that Bale would miss out when their 18-man squad for the game was announced on Sunday morning.

Boss Zinedine Zidane said at his pre-match press conference that Bale had suffered a calf muscle strain against Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League last Tuesday.

Bale left the pitch late on after scoring in Real’s 3-1 victory, with the problem originally being cited as a case of cramp.

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“It’s muscle fatigue, but we don’t like to take any risks,” Zidane said on Saturday.

Asked if Bale would link up with Wales on Monday as planned, Zidane said: “There’s no issue between Madrid and the Welsh national team.

“His state of fitness will determine whether he joins up with the national squad or not.”

Wales’ final two World Cup qualifiers are away to Georgia on Friday and at home to the Republic of Ireland three days later.

Chris Coleman’s side are currently in second place in Group D, four points behind leaders Serbia and one point above Ireland.

Chris ColemanGareth BaleZinedine Zidane