• La Liga

Ancelotti calm on Bale injury

ESPN staff
September 22, 2013
Gareth Bale was in the starting line-up for Real Madrid © Getty Images
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Carlo Ancelotti has played down the injury which forced Gareth Bale to pull out of Real Madrid's 4-1 win against Getafe, but concedes he may not be fit in time for Wednesday's trip to Elche.

Bale, who was set to make his home debut for Madrid in Sunday's La Liga clash, suffered a thigh problem during the pre-match warm-up at the Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

As a result, Isco, who went on to score, replaced the Wales international in the starting line-up, with Raphael Varane filling in on the bench.

"He had a small problem when he was warming up. It's not an injury. He just didn't feel comfortable," Ancelotti told the club's official website. "He is disappointed because he was very excited to play.

"I don't know if Bale can play on Wednesday because it's difficult for a player to be ready in three days."

While Bale looks likely to miss the Elche clash, Ancelotti believes the forward will be back in the squad for the weekend's derby against Atletico Madrid at the Bernabeu.

"I think Bale will be ready for Saturday's match," he said. "We are working to improve Bale's fitness because he didn't have a good pre-season."

Cristiano Ronaldo struck twice, while Pepe and Isco also got on the scoresheet as Madrid came from behind to beat Getafe on Sunday night.

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