Sports Carlo Ancelotti rests Gareth Bale for Atletico's champions league clash

Real Madrid manager, Carlo Ancelotti has revealed that Gareth Bale will be rested in Real's La Liga clash against Eibar for Tuesday’s Champions League showdown with Atletico Madrid at the Vincent de Caldron.

Bale, who moved from the EPL side, Tottenham Hotspur in a world-record fee has struggled with a nagging foot injury in recent days and was part of Madrid's 2-0 win at Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, but the Italian manager has confirmed that Bale's injury has caused him to reshuffle his squad for the weekend's fixture.

"Bale is not available, he has been tested and he has an overload," Ancelotti told a press conference on Friday. "It is better to rest him so that he is ready on Tuesday."

There was better news for the Blancos earlier on Friday when Cristiano Ronaldo's yellow card at Rayo Vallecano was rescinded, freeing him to line up against Eibar.

“We thought the yellow card was unjust, so we challenged it," said Ancelotti of the booking for alleged diving.

"We need Ronaldo for Saturday as it is an important day. We have great respect for Eibar and we cannot fail. We need the best starting XI possible available to us."

Luka Modric played 90 minutes for the second time in only three days in Vallecas but was seen grabbing at his left thigh as he left the pitch in pain as he continues his comeback from a four-month layoff.

But Ancelotti insists there is no cause for concern and the Croatian midfielder will line up against Eibar.

"Modric ended tired as there was only one rest day, but they are all tired. Luka will play."

Madrid go into the 16:00 CET kick-off trailing La Liga leaders Barcelona by four points, with the Catalans taking on Sevilla four hours later. Goal
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