Wales legend Ryan Giggs has said that Gareth Bale must begin to address the injury problems he has suffered in his career.
During the past two complete seasons, Bale made just 58 appearances for Real Madrid in all competitions and another fitness issue has forced the forward's withdrawal from the Wales squad to face Georgia and Republic of Ireland.
Bale's injury is not believed to be as serious as first feared, but Giggs has suggested that the 28-year-old may have to begin to adapt his game in the near future.
The Manchester United legend told Sky Sports News: "When you look at Bale and the physical specimen he is, he is always going to be putting his body under pressure, especially with the sort of challenges he comes up against from other players.
"With the injuries he has had and at the stage of his career, this is when you need to start addressing it. When you get to your late 20s it hits home that you need to start making changes. Everyone is different and I tried to cover every base with yoga, acupuncture, ice baths, but what might work for some players might not for others.
"You also have to adapt your game. You can't play in your late 20s like you did when you were 19, but that experience means your brain is quicker and you can be more economical yet more effective. I was definitely more effective in games in my late 20s even if I wasn't as quick."
Bale has made a combined total of seven appearances in La Liga and the Champions League this season.
Darren Plant
