Real Madrid have confirmed that forward Gareth Bale has suffered a leg injury that is likely to keep him out of action for up to three weeks.
The Welshman left the field inside the opening four minutes of Los Blancos' 3-1 win over Malaga on the weekend, but the full extent of the damage was not fully known.
It was feared by some that Bale may miss the remainder of the season, but Madrid have allayed fears by revealing that the injury is not too serious.
"Following tests carried out on Gareth Bale at the Sanitas La Moraleja Hospital by the Real Madrid Medical Services, he has been diagnosed with a muscle injury in his left soleus. His progress will be monitored," a club statement read.
Spanish publication AS reports that the world's most expensive player could be back in action for Madrid's trip to Sevilla in early May, although he will miss the crucial Champions League quarter-final second-leg tie against city rivals Atletico Madrid this week.
Fellow midfielder Luka Modric also limped off during the straightforward victory at the Bernabeu, although no update has yet been given on the Croatian's knee injury.
Daniel Lewis
