Gareth Bale set to sit out of friendly with Spain as he’s rested for Nations League clash with Ireland
Gareth Bale is to sit out of the friendly against Spain on Thursday but will play against Ireland next Tuesday.
Bale was brought off by Real Madrid manager Julen Lopetegui in their 1-0 defeat to Alaves on Saturday.
Julien Lopetegui said, “Gareth had an injury, so we had to make decisions regarding changes.”
The 29-year-old sat out of the training session on Monday, with three days to go until Wales take on Spain at the Principality Stadium. Aaron Ramsey who played yesterday also sat out.
Spanish outlet Marca says that Bale is not currently injured, but it was more of a case of muscular fatigue.
Real Madrid were hopeful of Bale missing this international break to recover, but Wales are eager for him to play against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium next week.
Both parties have agreed that Bale will miss the Spain game, but will feature in Wales’ third UEFA Nations League game.
On Thursday at Wales’ squad announcement, Giggs said: “I think every player will want to be involved in this game. You want to play against the best, what we’ve seen against Spain is that they’re a brilliant team.”
Bale has only been able to complete one full game for Madrid this season, in a 3-0 defeat to Sevilla. This season, Bale has scored four goals in 9 games, also assisting three times.
He has also been named on a 30-man shortlist for this year’s Ballon d’Or.
(Featured Image: Lewis Mitchell)
