Bale injury not expected to be serious - Solari

AFP  |  Madrid 

Real coach believes the calf that Bale sustained against Villarreal on Wednesday is not serious.

Bale will undergo tests on Saturday to diagnose the extent of the problem after being forced off at half-time at the Estadio de la Ceramica, where Real drew 2-2.

"We think the is not too serious," said at a press conference on Saturday. "He will go through tests today and we all hope he is back with us quickly." Expectations were high for Bale this season following the departure of last summer but his rhythm has been disrupted by fitness issues.

He has made 22 appearances for Real this term but played 90 minutes only five times.

Bale's absence could mean a reprieve for Isco, who has been out of favour since took charge but replaced the Welshman against Villarreal. Real host Real Sociedad in on Sunday and, speaking ahead of the game, Solari seemed positive about the prospect of Isco coming in.

"Isco is so good he can play wherever, in any position on the pitch," Solari said. "Sometimes it?s not all about speed. You can be effective with your creativity, imagination and technical ability. Every has different characteristics."

The draw against Villarreal leaves Madrid fourth in the table, seven points adrift of leaders Madrid have 30 points, which is the club's lowest total after 17 games in 13 years.

Solari, however, insisted "you cannot underestimate draws", and added: "The important thing is to keep climbing the table. To get from ninth to fourth has been difficult and we want to keep going. is long and in times of adversity, you see character."

Marcelo has been among those criticised, with the defender at fault for Villarreal?s opening goal in midweek. He has returned after suffering a hamstring in October.

"Marcelo has had a and it has not been easy for him," Solari said.

"He is getting his rhythm back and he is a for the team and the club. Over a season you can have good and bad games, but we must look after Marcelo." As well as Bale, Marco Asensio, and are all recovering from and expected to miss the game on Sunday.

(This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.)

First Published: Sat, January 05 2019. 19:05 IST