Real Madrid: Gareth Bale picked up an ankle injury against Unionistas

Real Madrid right winger Gareth Bale found the scoresheet again in the club’s Copa del Rey opener against Unionistas de Salamanca, but he also picked up an ankle injury.

It has been an unlucky 2019-2020 campaign thus far for Real Madrid veteran forward Gareth Bale, who hasn’t enjoyed a similar bounce-back season to fellow older superstars Toni Kroos and Luka Modric under Zinedine Zidane. Injuries have been the main culprit for Bale’s failure to get into a rhythm, as he is seemingly out for a few games immediately after returning.

Bale returned to the lineup in the Copa del Rey Round of 32 contest against Unionistas de Salamanca, scoring the opener in the 18th minute via a deflection. But Bale had to be substituted later in the game for Brahim Diaz, who, technically, scored twice, including a wonderful solo goal in the 92nd minute to seal the deal.

Brahim’s inclusion into the game provided excitement and the winning edge for Los Blancos, but hopefully it didn’t come at a cost to Bale.

Because according to Zidane, via Goal.com’s Matt Dorman, the Wales international picked up an ankle injury in the 3-1 win over Unionistas.

Zidane described the injury as “a bit” of a twisted ankle and doesn’t seem to think it’s serious. But since Real have been cautious with injured players, especially players like Bale who often struggle with various ailments, he may end up being held out of the Real Valladolid game this weekend. Los Blancos will already miss Dani Carvajal for the match due to a suspension.

Hopefully, Bale’s injury isn’t serious. It was great to see him back in the lineup and on the scoresheet, but, again, it’s been a difficult season for the 30-year-old. Rumors continue to swirl about a potential departure next summer, with a reunion with Spurs being a popular headline.

For now, Bale is a Real Madrid player and an asset to the team as a wide forward with goal-scoring potential.