Gareth Bale is set for a 'long-term' lay-off after suffering a right hamstring injury in Real Madrid training... handing Wales a huge World Cup qualifying blow

  • Gareth Bale missed Real Madrid's victory against Celta Vigo on Sunday night 
  • MARCA claim following tests on Monday, the hamstring issue is 'long term'
  • The 32-year-old was set to earn his 100th cap for Wales in next month's qualifier 
  • Wales face Czech Republic and Estonia in World Cup qualifying next month 

Gareth Bale has reportedly suffered a 'long-term' hamstring injury after undergoing tests on Monday morning.

The 32-year-old was absent from Real Madrid's squad for their 5-2 victory against Celta Vigo at the Bernabeu on Sunday night.

And MARCA claim his omission was due an injury he had picked up on Saturday during the club's final training session before the game.

Gareth Bale has reportedly suffered a 'long-term' hamstring injury in Real Madrid training

Gareth Bale has reportedly suffered a 'long-term' hamstring injury in Real Madrid training

The news comes as a blow for Wales, for whom Bale was set to earn his 100th cap next month

The news comes as a blow for Wales, for whom Bale was set to earn his 100th cap next month

Images then circulated online of the Welshman limping with a bandage wrapped around his right thigh after training.


The news comes as a blow to both his club and his country, particularly given the fact the former Tottenham star was set to earn his 100th international cap next month when Robert Page's men face Czech Republic in a World Cup qualifier.

Wales also face an away qualifier against Estonia three days after their visit to Prague, and so will be sweating on Bale's fitness ahead of a crucial international break regarding their hopes of qualifying for the 2022 Qatar World Cup.

The 32-year-old Bale missed Madrid's crushing victory against Celta Vigo on Sunday night

The 32-year-old Bale missed Madrid's crushing victory against Celta Vigo on Sunday night

Page's side sit third in their Group E qualifying group, level on points with the Czechs, but nine points behind leaders Belgium.

Real Madrid are also facing the prospect of being without Bale for six games in the next three weeks, including four LaLiga games and two matches in the Champions League.

Ancelotti's men face Serie A champions Inter Milan in Europe on Wednesday before facing high-flying Valencia and Europa League winners Villarreal in the league before the end of the month.

It is just the latest setback for Bale, who was out with three separate issues during his loan spell at Spurs last season.

Bale had started the season well and netted in the thrilling 3-3 draw against Levante in August

Bale had started the season well and netted in the thrilling 3-3 draw against Levante in August

He was missing with a knee problem for 40 days, followed by a further 10 days due to illness and another 18 days due to a muscle injury.

His absence from Sunday's win on Real Madrid's return to a renovated Bernabeu means he has now missed 102 matches through injury during his time at the club.

Bale had enjoyed a strong start to the season, scoring in the thrilling 3-3 draw at Levante last month.

He then continued that upturn in form into the latest international break, scoring a hat-trick in the 3-2 World Cup qualifying victory against Belarus.

Bale followed that up in the latest international break with a hat-trick against Belarus

Bale followed that up in the latest international break with a hat-trick against Belarus

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