Gareth Bale is suffering from “muscle fatigue” in his thigh and is unlikely to play for Real Madrid for at least another week.
The world’s most expensive footballer was on a high last week, after realising his dream by playing for one of the world’s biggest clubs in the Uefa Champions League.
But a week is a long time in football as the saying goes, and just a few days later Bale was brought back to earth.
He was slated to make his second La Liga start for Los Blancos in their match against Getafe, but was forced to hobble out of the pre-match warm-up.
The club has now confirmed Bale’s plight, and manager Carlo Ancelotti has given his prognosis.
Madrid visit Elche on Wednesday, but Bale will not be part of the match day squad.
"After the tests carried out today on Gareth Bale at the Sanitas La Moraleja hospital, fatigue in the left thigh muscle was found. It will be treated," a statement read on Real’s official website.
"He had a small problem when he was warming up,” Ancelotti added.
"It's not an injury -- he just didn't feel comfortable. He is disappointed, because he was very excited to play. I don't know if Bale can play on Wednesday because it's difficult for a player to be ready in three days."
Real’s noisy neighbours Atletico are the next visitors to the Bernabeu for a mouth-watering Madrid derby at the weekend, and Ancelotti hopes to have Bale back by then.
"I think Bale will be ready for Saturday's match," he said. "We are working to improve Bale's fitness because he didn't have a good pre-season."
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