Gareth Bale ruled out for up to three weeks

Gareth Bale has 17 goals and 8 assists to his name in all competitions this season

Real Madrid star Gareth Bale will be sidelined for two to three weeks with an injury to the soleus muscle (calf) in his left leg. The Welshman who left the pitch early in Madrid’s 3-1 win over Malaga underwent some tests and will spend the next couple of weeks on the treatment table.

Real Madrid’s official statement read: "Following tests carried out on Gareth Bale at the Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in his left soleus. His progress will be monitored."

Bale medical report: He has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in his left soleus. His progress will be monitored. pic.twitter.com/sxlWC1QblB

— Real Madrid C.F. (@realmadriden) April 20, 2015

Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti confirmed that Bale would miss the Champions League second leg against city rivals Atletico Madrid. He said that Bale would be missed but “a solution must be found, especially in his absence.”

Bale joins Luka Modric on Real Madrid’s injury list. The Croatian also succumbed to a knee problem later in the same game and is believed to be out for nearly six weeks.

To add to Ancelotti’s woes, striker Karim Benzema is a doubt for the Champions League Madrid derby as well.