Real Madrid confirm calf injury to Gareth Bale

Gareth Bale was taken off at half-time against Levante

Gareth Bale recently returned to action from a calf issue but Real Madrid confirmed on their official website that the injury has once again reared its ugly head. The statement did not specifically state when the forward will return to action but the announcement made so close to a Champions League tie means he is almost certainly out of the tie against Paris Saint-Germain and there remains a very real possibility that he will also not play against Celta Vigo at the weekend.

The Welshman played 45 minutes of the game against Levante over the weekend and was replaced at half-time. At the time it appeared to be a precaution as his side coasted to a 3-0 win, it now appears to have been due to a possible injury. Bale was reportedly not entirely fit during the international break when he turned out for Wales in their last game during the Euro 2016 qualifiers, nonetheless, he continued to play for his nation.

The club hasn’t been very clear on when he might be able to return to the pitch. The Real Madrid statement read: “Following the tests carried out on Gareth Bale in the Sanitas la Moraleja University Hospital, the player has been diagnosed with a soleus muscle injury in his left leg. His recovery will continue to be assessed.”

Earlier this season, he limped off in a Champions League fixture, then too with a calf problem. The injury has continued to plague the world's most expensive player over the last 2 years. This time, though the extent of damage is unknown, it would be safe to assume that it isn't too serious since the player was seen in training albeit doing his drills separately from the rest of the team.

Another player who was seen on the training ground is the Croatian Luka Modric who trained with the group. If losing Bale to injury is a sore point for the Madridistas having their other acquisition from Tottenham back is surely a boost. Only Rafael Benitez can confirm the availability of the players tomorrow when he faces the media ahead of their champions League encounter with the French champions.

The Parisians will be keen to make a mark in the competition after having strived so hard in preceding seasons. They will have the confidence to take on this star-studded Real Madrid team spurred on by their unbeaten start to the season, the only trouble is, Los Galacticos have not been beaten so far this season either.