Real Madrid's Gareth Bale out for fifth straight match

Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale will miss Saturday’s La Liga match against Granada with a buttock muscle injury.

Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale will miss Saturday’s La Liga match against Granada with a buttock muscle injury, BBC Sport reports. 

Bale has already missed the last four matches with the muscle strain and coach Carlo Ancelotti has not confirmed Bale’s status for the Champions League game against Liverpool on Nov. 4. 

Earlier this week, Wales national team assistant coach Osian Roberts expressed his hope that Bale could return in time for the Euro 2016 qualifier match against Belgium on Nov. 16. The team has been in contact with Real Madrid regarding the injury.

"It's important he's getting games at Real Madrid before we get back together," Roberts said. "We're delighted with the relationship that we've got with Carlo Ancelotti and his medical staff.”

Bale’s injury has allowed Isco to fill in for his position, and Isco’s performance has some calling for him to start even after the Welsh footballer returns. Isco has one goal and four assists in four La Liga starts this season.

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However, Ancelotti has maintained his support for Bale:

"Nobody should get angry because Bale deserves to play," Ancelotti said. "He is one of the best players in the world, and one of the most important players in this squad. What has changed [is not Bale's absence] but the attitude of the team without the ball. Now it is easier to attack."

Bale debuted with Real Madrid last season, finishing with 22 goals and 16 assists. The club is currently third in La Liga with a record of 9-7-1 and 21 points. 

- Danielle Zhu