Gareth Bale Still Out as Real Madrid go to Granada
Gareth Bale, who is recovering from an abdominal muscle injury, sat out last week's Champions League win in Liverpool and the Clasico victory over Barcelona last Saturday, as well as the Copa del Rey fourth-round first leg win at Cornella on Wednesday.
Welsh star Gareth Bale will miss Real Madrid's trip to Granada in La Liga on Saturday having failed to recover from an abdominal muscle injury. (Also Read: Zidane Cleared to Coach During Appeal)
Bale already sat out last week's Champions League win in Liverpool and the Clasico victory over Barcelona last Saturday with the problem, as well as the Copa del Rey fourth-round, first leg win at Cornella on Wednesday.
And while media reports in Spain suggested he might make his return at Los Carmenes, Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti indicated otherwise on Friday.
"The injured players are the same: Bale, (Fabio) Coentrao and Jese," said the Italian at a press conference, before adding that Pepe and Luka Modric are doubts.
"We have two little problems that we must evaluate today (Friday) regarding Pepe and Modric. We must wait for training this afternoon to decide our starting line-up."
If Pepe does miss out, French defender Raphael Varane should keep his place after scoring twice in the 4-1 win against Cornella.
Cristiano Ronaldo is expected to return after being rested for the cup tie as Real, who are a point behind leaders Barcelona, look to record an 11th consecutive win in all competitions.