Gareth Bale suffers calf injury in Shakhtar win

Real Madrid midfielder Gareth Bale has been incredible form this season but the Welshman was forced to leave Tuesday’s Champions League group stage match against Shakhtar after suffering a calf strain in the first half.

In the 27th minute, Bale felt a twinge in his left calf and immediately put his hand to the area and went down to the grass, calling for the medical staff.

Bale did not collide with anyone, but merely strained the muscle and was helped off by the staff before exiting the pitch to make way for new midfielder Mateo Kovacic in the 30th minute.

Bale immediately underwent tests and initial reports have suggested that it is merely a calf strain and will pose no real threat to Bale as the club continues to show their attacking process.

Following the match, Real Madrid manager Rafa Benitez confirmed the calf strain but does not feel that it will be a lingering problem, but the Spaniard remained optimistic that the injury would clear up soon.

"Bale had a spasm in his soleus muscle, in the calf muscle area. We have to wait one or two days. Varane and Ramos received knocks and we will also have to wait and see, although I am more optimistic. I think Gareth had a similar problem last year. We have to wait a little. I am not worried about the injuries, we have had few up until now. Of the three today, two were knocks. The team is doing well in terms of fitness and are generally in good shape."

Bale will undergo further tests on Thursday morning to determine the extent of the injury as the team prepares for their Week 4 La Liga clash against Granada.