Real Madrid suffered a huge blow after it was confirmed that star forward Gareth Bale had suffered a calf injury that will keep him out of action for three weeks. The 26-year-old Welshman had suffered the injury during the Blancos’ 5-1 win over Sporting Gijon at the Bernabeu on Sunday.
Bale had scored the opening goal of the match in the seventh minute as Madrid took a 5-0 lead in the first half. But before the half ended, Bale had to limp off because of the calf injury. The club ran a few medical tests at the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital on Tuesday and confirmed their worst fears.
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“After tests carried out today on the player Gareth Bale at the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital, he has been diagnosed with soleus muscle injury in his right leg. His recovery will continue to be assessed.” – Statement on Real Madrid’s official website.
This is the third time this season that Bale has had problems with his calves. He had missed about two weeks of action on both occasions. While no return date has been set, reports say Bale could be in line for a return when they the Champions League resumes in February. Real Madrid play AS Roma in the first leg of the round of 16 in Rome on 17 February.
The club are currently third in La Liga, two points behind derby rivals Atletico Madrid and Barcelona, who have a game in hand. And Bale has been instrumental this season with 13 goals and 8 assists in the league.
Karim Benzema fit after suffering toe injury
Meanwhile, French striker Karim Benzema’s injury was not as serious as feared earlier. New manager Zinedine Zidane had said after the game: “Karim is just a bang, thankfully,” and was more concerned about Bale’s injury.
Benzema had also left the pitch after a mix-up with James Rodriguez seemed to have caused him to injure his toe. But The two injuries had taken the wind out of Real Madrid’s sails and they failed to score in the second half.
The 28-year-old was able to train with the squad and also tweeted a picture of him training with the caption: “Everything is fine.” Zidane will be relieved as Benzema is in fine form this season, already having scored 16 goals in La Liga.
