Real: Bale has thigh strain

Real Madrid midfielder Gareth Bale is a major doubt for Los Blancos' trip to Elche on Wednesday after the club confirmed he has suffered a thigh strain. The Welshman was due to make his home debut against Getafe on Sunday, but pulled up with the injury in the warm-up and had to replaced by Isco. A statement on the club's website confirmed that a scan carried out on Monday morning had detected a strain in his left thigh and his return to action would depend on his recovery over the next few days. Real boss Carlo Ancelotti said after the game that he was hopeful Bale would be fit for Saturday's Madrid derby against Atletico, however he wasn't so positive about his chances of featuring in midweek. "Obviously, it is unusual that if a player can't play in a match that he is ready to play in three days time," he told a press conference. "I am sure that he will be ready for the game on Saturday." Bale has played just 90 minutes of action since sealing his move from Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month. The 24-year-old started and scored on his debut in the 2-2 draw with Villarreal on September 14, but was only introduced by Ancelotti as a second-half substitute for the 6-1 thrashing of Galatasaray in the UEFA Champions League last week. From : FIFA