WALES MANAGER RYAN Giggs has concerns over the fitness of Gareth Bale today after he lasted just 45 minutes of last night’s Madrid derby.
Due to a groin problem, Bale was withdrawn by Real boss Julen Lopetegui at half-time in their 0-0 draw against Atletico at the Bernabeu.
Giggs will bring his Welsh squad to Dublin in just over a fortnight’s time for their return Uefa Nations League fixture against the Republic of Ireland.
After last night’s game, Lopetegui explained that Bale will need to undergo a further assessment to determine the extent of the injury.
“Bale had discomfort in his adductor at half-time and as a precaution he didn’t come out for the second half,” he said. “We will test him tomorrow and we’ll see.”
The 29-year-old attacker was a key player for Wales in the game against Ireland earlier this month, scoring in a 4-1 victory at Cardiff City Stadium.
His absence due to injury was a telling factor 11 months earlier when Martin O’Neill’s side were 1-0 winners in a World Cup qualifier in the Welsh capital.
Wales are due to host Spain in a friendly five days before their game against Ireland at the Aviva Stadium on Tuesday, 16 October.
Real Madrid travel to play CSKA Moscow in the Champions League this Tuesday.
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