Bale out Of Madrid

By Nigel Phillips

Gareth Bale was left out of Real Madrid’s traveling party to Russia ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League second game against CSKA Moscow.

The Los Blancos left Madrid on Sunday for the Russian capital, and Bale, who did not emerge for the second half in Saturday’s stalemate against Atletico Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu, was seen with the squad.

The Wales national team captain sustained an adductor injury in the Madrid Derby, and there are fears the wing-forward faces a lengthy period on the sidelines.

Bale arrived at Real Madrid in 2013, and though he has been a major part of the success of the European giants, the player’s progress has been hampered with 26 injuries.

But Bale was beginning to assert himself more in Julen Lopetegui’s set-up this season as he has played six La Liga games and scored three goals aside providing two assists.

The left-footed player was on target for the Los Blancos in the 3-0 win over Roma in the opening day of the Champions League.

Bale’s absence for the trip to Moscow, therefore, increases his injury tally and compounds the number of times the Madrid outfit has had to miss his services at crucial times despite being one of the highest paid players in the squad.

Real Madrid travels to Deportivo Alaves on Saturday before the two-week international break, and Bale could as well miss the tie and that of Wales in the UEFA Nations League.