Zidane defends Bale amid injury criticism

Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane has launched a strong defence of Gareth Bale following criticism of his latest injury. Bale limped out of Wednesday’s 3-1 Copa del Rey victory at Unionistas, in which he scored the opening goal, with an ankle knock which has ruled him out of Sunday’s Primera Liga clash at Valladolid. Zidane has confirmed the injury “isn’t serious, it’s a slight sprain”, and that the Wales captain should return to training on Monday. Bale has scored over 100 goals for Real, but also struggled with injuries. (Nick Potts/PA) During his pre-match press conference, however, it was asked of...