• Champions League

Bale set to miss Liverpool clash

ESPN staff
October 20, 2014
Gareth Bale, left, is also a doubt for Real Madrid's clash with rivals Barcelona on Saturday © Getty Images
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Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale has been ruled out of Wedneday's Champions League trip to Liverpool with a buttock injury, according to a report.

Madrid released an official statement on Monday saying Bale has not fully recovered from a problem with his right pyramidalis muscle, confiming what manager Carlo Ancelotti revealed after Saturday's 5-0 victory over Levante.

AS reports that Bale is also struggling to be fit for next Saturday's clash with rivals Barcelona, with Ancelotti potentially reverting to the 4-4-2 he has been using when the Welshman has been unavailable.

James Rodriguez and Isco could fit into the same team, joining Toni Kroos and Luka Modric in midfield.

Madrid go into Saturday's game trailing La Liga leaders Barcelona by four points, with Luis Enrique's side yet to concede a league goal this season.

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