Real Madrid and Welsh midfielder Gareth Bale is a doubt for his team’s trip to Rayo Vallecano for Wednesday evening.
Madrid will travel to the Estadio de Vallecas to take on the ninth-place Rayo for their second game in four days as they try to chase down league leaders Barcelona.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men won 9-1 in a demolition of relegation-threatened Granada on Sunday. Bale recored the first goal of the game for his side which saw him end a nine-game drought without scoring.
Bale was pictured training Tuesday afternoon at Madrid’s training complex, but seems to have picked up the injury in the process.
“We have a small problem with Bale,” Ancelotti said. “He has a bang to his left foot, we must weigh it up tomorrow, then pick the team.”
Although the world record transfer man has registered 17 goals and 10 assists in all competitions, Bale has been heavily criticized by Madrid supporters for ‘not doing enough’ and for being ‘selfish’.
There will be no shortage of fire power ready to replace Bale in the starting lineup should he be deemed not fit to play.
High-profile summer signing James Rodriguez is fit after a length injury spell on the sidelines and fan favourite Isco is available after being suspended for the Granda game.
However, the Blancos manager denied it would a straight Rodriguez - Isco decision for who starts.
“They both could play, they have done so together many times," Ancelotti stated. “It is not a debate between Isco and James, it is about a squad which is in very good condition at the moment.
“James is doing very well in his first year. Isco has played some fantastic games this season. So it is really difficult for the coach to say who is best. I can just say I have the good fortune to have two players of this quality, who can play different positions on the pitch.”
With two Champions League quarterfinal games against local neighbours Atletico, Bale may not be the only Madrid star rested for Wednesday’s game.