Real Madrid unable to name a comeback date for Gareth Bale after tests reveal winger is suffering with muscle contracture

The world's most expensive player has hardly featured since moving to the Bernabeu

Gareth Bale assesses his injury at the Bernabeu (GETTY IMAGES)

Gareth Bale has been diagnosed with a muscle contracture in his left thigh but it remains to be seen how long the Wales forward will be sidelined for, Real Madrid have announced.

Bale - who missed most of the pre-season while uncertainty over his future continued - has been hampered by injury since completing his world record transfer from Tottenham in August, appearing in only two league matches and one in the Champions League for Madrid.

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He had already been ruled out of Wednesday's Champions League clash with FC Copenhagen but this latest diagnosis suggests a longer absence.

"After the tests carried out today, the player Gareth Bale has been diagnosed with a muscle contracture in his left thigh," said a statement on the Real Madrid website.

"It remains to be seen how the condition develops."

PA