Real Madrid coach explains Bale injury, defends Wales commitment

Real Madrid will be without winger Gareth Bale for their visit to play Paris Saint Germain on Wednesday and presumable for a week afterwards after it was confirmed by the club that he has suffered an injury to his left calf.

The fifth calf injury Bale has suffered since 2013 came during his side's 3-0 win at home to Levante on Saturday and speaking on an interview on Spanish radio on Tuesday, Benitez, explained the circumstances of the injury.

"When I substituted him at half time he wanted to carry on, but we could see he was carrying a problem and his legs were tired. You have more chance of getting injured when you are tired," explained the Real Madrid coach, who added that the "most important thing is to start treatment and see how he evolves in the coming days."

It is perhaps no coincidence that Bale's injury came after playing two games for Wales and helping his country to a historic qualification for next summer's European Championship.

The Spanish press have been quick to point the finger at the international break as the cause of injuries, but Benitez defended Bale for playing in both of his country's matches.

"He has a feeling and an affinity with his country and with the people. He is a hero of such proportions in Wales than it is hard to imagine and hard to manage. He played in the last game (against Andorra) and we were in touch to know how he felt and we also spoke to his coach (Chris Coleman)," said the Real Madrid boss.

Benitez also insisted there were no problems in the relationship between Cristiano Ronaldo and Bale, adding that there would be a time when he would have to rest his key players.

Finally he rejected suggestions that the league was organized in such a way as to help his side win the title, after they kicked off the campaign against two newly promoted sides and have the luxury of playing most of their games at the same time on the same day...something few others enjoy. Endit