Bale sidelined for Madrid derbies

Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale looks set to miss the Champions League semi-final against city rivals Atletico after tests revealed he has a tear to his left calf.

The 27-year-old Wales international lasted just 35 minutes of Sunday’s El Clasico defeat to Barcelona before limping off the Bernabeu pitch.

A short statement from Madrid confirmed the extent of Bale’s injury, saying: “The player has been diagnosed with a grade 2 injury in his left calf. His recovery will continue to be assessed.”

Reports in Spain say Bale is now facing three weeks on the sidelines, which would rule him out of both legs of the Champions League tie – on May 2 and 10 – as well as LaLiga fixtures against Deportivo La Coruna, Valencia and Granada.

The former Tottenham man was sidelined for three months earlier this season with an ankle problem.

Gareth Bale: left calf tear.