Gareth Bale Set To Miss Real Madrid Visit To Espanyol As Los Blancos Worry Over Hip Problem

The Welsh star was replaced with 20 minutes to go during Los Blancos' come-from-behind win over Sporting on Wednesday evening.

His departure came after Bale was pictured holding his hip at the end of the first half, having earlier taken a knock and been treated by medics.

Cameras later spotted Bale applying an ice bag to the area while on the bench as he watched his teammates turn a deficit into victory at the Santiago Bernabeu.

According to Sport, Zinedine Zidane will make the call to leave him at home to rest, ahead of the midweek clash with Villarreal next Wednesday.

The 27-year-old impressed on the road in Madrid's only away game of the season so far, scoring twice in the 3-0 win over Real Sociedad.