Real Madrid confirm Gareth Bale injury, but no tear in calf muscle

Real Madrid have confirmed that Gareth Bale has not torn a muscle in his calf, but is suffering with swelling.

The 28-year-old has been ruled out of Wales's World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and the Republic of Ireland as a result of the injury.

No specific date has been selected for Bale's return, but there were concerns that the attacker would miss the Champions League clash against his former club Tottenham Hotspur in two weeks' time.

Now that Madrid have revealed that there is no tear in the player's calf, the length of absence may not be as long as first feared.

A statement from Los Blancos read: "Following tests carried out on Gareth Bale, he has been diagnosed with swelling but no tear in the soleus muscle of his left leg. His recovery will be monitored."

Bale has made seven appearances in all competitions this season, scoring three goals and creating as many assists.