' Latest news on Gareth Bale '

By Chris Wathan Comments
Gareth Bale still a major doubt to play any part in Wales' World Cup clash with Serbia
8th Sep 2013


Wales boss Chris Coleman says Bale will definitely not start and may not feature at all when Wales play at Cardiff City Stadium on Tuesday night


Gareth Bale remained on the bench against Macedonia

Wales will have the chance to welcome home it’s Galactico this week – but Chris Coleman has warned Gareth Bale may STILL not be ready to play.

Bale could be in line for his first taste of action since Real Madrid made him the world’s most expensive player last week when Wales take on Serbia on Tuesday.

But, having left him on the bench despite going down to Macedonia on Friday, Coleman has refused to rule out again keeping him on the sidelines at Cardiff City Stadium.

Bale has not played competitive football since last season with only one pre-season outing almost two months ago to his name. He missed the majority of Tottenham’s summer games with a foot injury before the protracted world record move to the Bernabeu was wrapped up.

But he had cited a desire to figure for Wales in this qualifying double-header only for him to be kept off the pitch with a genteel warm-up – using only his right foot – immediately suggesting he was to play no part at the Philip II Arena as Coleman’s men went down to a 2-1 defeat.

Coleman immediately ruled out starting Bale on Tuesday as he defended his “mind games” tactic of naming Bale among the substitutes despite later admitting he was never fit to start.

And despite Wales being in need of a much needed pick-me-up and Football Association of Wales officials hoping for a bumper gate on the back of Bale’s mega profile, Coleman said: “In the long run it’s good, people want to come and watch him play and come and support us. What’s wrong with that?


“But he can’t play if he’s not fit. Will Gareth be ready to start? No. Can he play a part? We’ll see.

“If he was fit for Friday we would have played him, but I spoke to him on the day of the match and he was not ready. Simple. Tuesday? It’s a few days away.

“He’s never going to be ready to start, it’s as simple as that. We’ll see how he reacts between now and Tuesday.”

But – following the fifth defeat from seven games in this campaign – the under-fire boss will also be mindful he is in desperate need of a victory to avoid the possibility of finishing rock bottom of this World Cup qualifying group.

He is already facing a defensive crisis with centre-back captain Ashley Williams suspended and partner Sam Ricketts severely struggling with injury, meaning he could have to go cap in hand to James Collins to reunite with former Cardiff City and West Ham teammate Danny Gabbidon.

“It will be difficult against a very strong Serbia team, but we have to try and get them,” Coleman added.

How unfit is Bale? Real Madrid will expect him to be available. Would have thought some game time on Tuesday would have done him some good.

It certainly wouldn't hurt to give him some game time on Tuesday...

I thought Gabbidon should have started on Friday.

TBH I have gone beyond caring......

Bale didn't play because of the state of the pitch we were told in Macedonia and we were told he may not play Tuesday but may be given 20 mins at the most. We were watching the players train through the stadium gates

Bale didn't play because of the state of the pitch we were told in Macedonia and we were told he may not play Tuesday but may be given 20 mins at the most. We were watching the players train through the stadium gates

Yes the state of the Macedonian pitch almost certainly influenced the decision not to play Gareth Bale on Friday night. Of course that brings up another point in that why are Macedonia allowed to host competitive international fixtures if they can't prepare a pitch up to international standard?

I fully expect GB to make a 20 minute cameo on Tuesday night. CCS is literally 'pitch perfect' and there can be no 'Real' excuses this time

What was the point of selecting him if he isnt going to play? Hopefully he can get a 20 minute run out on tuesday

He's surely got to play some football at some point what with being the worlds most expensive player? Why not give him 20-30 mins, I'm sure Madrid would appreciate Gareth having some game time before he goes there to play.

real madrid are not going to risk injury on a nothing game......

We could have 5 Gareth Bale's and with Coleman still running the show we'd still lose. He is a joke.

We could have 5 Gareth Bale's and with Coleman still running the show we'd still lose. He is a joke.

They'd all be on the bench

FFS COLEMAN give him a game he needs it, plus hes better than anyone else at 80%

At this rate, Bale will never play again. Just wrap him up in cotton wool, and put him in a museum. Pathetic, frankly.

Cristiano Ronaldo payed on Friday against Northern Ireland, (who don't mind putting it about a bit), and scored a hatrick.

This is getting farcical.

At this rate, Bale will never play again. Just wrap him up in cotton wool, and put him in a museum. Pathetic, frankly.

Cristiano Ronaldo payed on Friday against Northern Ireland, (who don't mind putting it about a bit), and scored a hatrick.

This is getting farcical.

i think real madrid would like him to play for them first.....

Just another Ryan Giggs, shame.

Just another Ryan Giggs, shame.

the decision is taken out of their hands...