Real Madrid vs Barcelona: Gareth Bale to miss Bayern Munich second-leg and is also a doubt for el clásico
The Welshman picked up a muscle injury in last week's win against Bayern
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has confirmed that Gareth Bale will miss their Champions League quarter-final against Bayern Munich and will likely miss el clásico, too.
The Welshman had to be withdrawn early in the first-leg in Munich, which Real won 2-1, after experiencing muscle tightness in his right leg and has not recovered in time to feature in the reverse fixture at the Santiago Bernabeu Stadium.
Madrid have not yet given a time-scale on his return but Zidane also admitted there is a strong possibility that he will also miss Sunday’s derby match against Barcelona.
“He will not play because we don't want to take any risks," Zidane said during his weekly press conference.
“He wants to come back, he has been working hard. Hopefully he will be back for the clásico but it's not certain yet. We will see how he progresses day by day.”
“Gareth has worked very hard to get back with the team after being out three months injured. When he returned he was very excited and happy. He has some issues which stop him being able to play. We just hope it is nothing serious.”
Sunday’s match between the fierce rivals will likely prove crucial in the title race, with the teams occupying first and second place in the Spanish league table.
Madrid, seeking its first league title since 2012, has a three-point lead and a game in hand, with six match-weeks remaining until the end of the season.
Zidane did not say who will replace Bale for the crunch match, but Isco — who scored twice to lead Madrid to a late 3-2 win over Sporting — is expected to start. Marco Asensio and Alvaro Morata are Zidane’s other attacking options.
“Isco is ready, like all of them,” Zidane said after the player had told reporters that he wants to remain at Real for ‘many years to come’.
“I have the decision made, but I will not tell you our plans, I'm sorry. Not about how we make the decision, or whether we will change the team shape.”
“We'll see how we will play, if we will change our scheme or not. I'm glad that everyone is prepared to play.”
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments