Real Madrid could be without Gareth Bale for their Sunday trip to Athletic Bilbao.

The Wales international was substituted at half-time of Madrid’s 2-0 win over Granada last week, having been injured mid-way through the first-half.

Granada defender Jeison Murillo collided with Bale and struck him in a sensitive area, AS reports, leading to some discomfort for the former Tottenham winger.

Bale was the only player not to take part in full training this week, AS adds, having suffered his fifth injury of the season. Rather than join with his teammates, Bale has been doing gym work.

The series of fitness problems have led Bale to play little more than half of the total minutes possible in his time at Madrid.

Bale is said to have had 30 muscle injuries dating back to 2007, with ankle and knee complaints the most common.

Madrid are putting the injuries down to a muscle imbalance, with the player’s left side more developed than the right.

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La Liga - Club News