Real Madrid get fitness boost as Bale avoids calf tear

Real Madrid received a boost after medical tests found Gareth Bale has a swollen calf as opposed to a muscle tear.

Bale suffered the problem in last week's Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund, a match where he scored one and set up another.

While his injury ruled him out of Madrid's La Liga match with Espanyol on Sunday and Wales' upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and the Republic of Ireland, it is not as bad as first feared.

Reports in Spain suggest the swollen calf has a recovery period of 10 to 15 days, meaning he will hope to be fit for the crunch Champions League clash with former club Tottenham on October 17.

"Following tests carried out on Gareth Bale, he has been diagnosed with swelling but no tear in the soleus muscle of his left leg," Madrid said in a statement on Wednesday.

UCJ, UNILORIN.