Bale out of Villarreal clash... because of golf injury?

Gareth Bale will miss Real Madrid’s game at home to Villarreal on Wednesday and is a doubt for the Champions League semi-final first leg against Manchester City next week. 

The Welshman has struggled with calf problems throughout his time at Madrid, but it’s a back problem which has sidelined him this time. 

It’s unclear how Bale picked up the injury, with some suggestions he may have sustained it while playing golf after his side’s 5-1 win over Getafe at the weekend. 

Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane claimed he didn’t believe Bale had been playing golf, saying he thought he was just watching, but admitted he could not sure. 

"I don't know whether he played golf or not, but I don't think he did," Zidane said in a press conference on Tuesday. 

"He has an over-use injury in his lower back. I can't tell you exactly what it is because I am not a doctor."

Zidane hopes Bale will be able to feature at the weekend against Rayo Vallecano in La Liga, with the trip to Manchester taking place next Tuesday.

If Atletico Madrid and Barcelona drop points on Wednesday, Madrid would move to the top of the table with a win over Villarreal. 

Before the Clasico they were 10 points back from Barça, but that gap heading into this week's fixtures is now just one point.