Gareth Bale to miss Wales match, but continues to train with national team amid Real Madrid speculation

The Tottenham winger is suffering from a foot injury ahead of the new season

Gareth Bale leaving Tottenham's training ground earlier this week (GETTY IMAGES)

Predictably, Gareth Bale will not be turning out for Wales against the Republic of Ireland, but the Tottenham star will continue to train with the national squad amid fevered speculation over his future.

The Tottenham winger, who has not played for Spurs in nearly a month, has been widely linked with a world record transfer to Real Madrid.

The 24-year-old trained on his own at Wales' Newport base on Monday afternoon having joined up with Chris Coleman's squad in the morning.

But the Football Association of Wales confirmed his fitness will not be risked as he recovers from a foot injury.

A statement on the official FAW website said: "Gareth was keen to join up with the squad and Tottenham were more than happy for him to do so.

"He trained alone and will not feature in the game on Wednesday."

Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas had said last weekend he did not expect Bale to be fit for the north London club's Barclays Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on Sunday.

Bale was also understood to be concerned at doing further damage to his foot with a move potentially on the horizon, and it comes as no surprise that he will not be involved in Coleman's matchday plans.

Despite being unavailable to play the Republic of Ireland, Spurs are happy for Bale to remain in camp with Wales where he will continue to train and is set to be in the stands at Cardiff City Stadium on Wednesday evening.

Bale is the third player to be ruled out of Wednesday's clash after Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey and West Ham defender James Collins withdrew from the squad with ankle and knee injuries respectively.

Swansea full-back Jazz Richards and Brighton midfielder Andrew Crofts have been called up as replacements.

PA