Bale will miss quarter-final against Espanyol; Jesé to start instead

Jesé Rodríguez will start instead of Gareth Bale who did not take part in Monday’s training session with the rest of his team-mates.

Carlo Ancelotti announced that Gareth Bale will sit out Real Madrid’s Copa del Rey quarter-final second leg against Espanyol on Tuesday.

Bale is said to be struggling with a leg injury after he was marred against a challenge by Jeison Murillo during Madrid’s 2-0 league win over Granada.

“He felt discomfort in his left leg and I preferred to let him recover,” Ancelotti told Monday’s pre-match press conference. “Tomorrow he won’t play and he’ll train to be ready for Sunday.”

Ancelotti further revealed that youngster Jesé Rodriguez will be starting at the Bernabéu instead of Bale who missed out the team’s Monday training session too.

“He will train to be ready for Sunday. Jese will play in his place.”

The Welshman has started 14 matches for the Whites this season and has notched 10 goals in all competitions.