Gareth Bale is a doubt for Real Madrid's La Liga game at Rayo Vallecano on Wednesday, boss Carlo Ancelotti has said. Bale has scored five times in his last four games for club and country, including the opener in Madrid's 9-1 weekend hammering of Granada, overcoming a dip in form that had seen the €100 million signing go nine matches without a goal.
But the Wales international may miss the short trip across the Spanish capital to in-form Rayo, Ancelotti revealed at his pregame news conference. "We have a small problem with Bale," Ancelotti said. "He has a bang to his left foot. We must weigh it up tomorrow, then pick the team." Should Bale miss out, it would mean Ancelotti could put off deciding which of his high-profile attacking stars to leave out of his XI, with €80 million summer signing James Rodriguez fit again and fans' favourite Isco available after being suspended for the Granada game.Ancelotti denied that he was now looking at his selection decision as a straight James versus Isco call.
"They both could play, they have done so together many times," he said. "It is not a debate between Isco and James, it is about a squad which is in very good condition at the moment.
"James is doing very well in his first year. Isco has played some fantastic games this season, so it is really difficult for the coach to say who is best.
"I can just say I have the good fortune to have two players of this quality who can play different positions on the pitch."
With Madrid also having a Champions League quarterfinal against neighbours Atletico Madrid looming, Ancelotti said all his players could be rested for games, including the "BBC" front line of Bale, Karim Benzema and Cristiano Ronaldo.
"Until the start of May, we have a game every three days," he said. "So some rotations will be needed in these games. It could happen that one of [the BBC] could rest."
Asked whether he felt Madrid would overhaul current leaders Barcelona if they won their remaining nine games, Ancelotti said: "I am not sure about [winning the title with nine wins from nine]," he said.
"But I am sure we must give our all in every game. In this moment, Barcelona have the knife in the better position [in the La Liga title fight]."
Sunday's 9-1 score, and a five-goal haul for Ronaldo, brought headlines of "saviour" and "resurrection" in the local press and a feeling that Real were gearing up to reel in Barca.
However, they have won just two of their last six outings in all competitions, and Ancelotti warned that Rayo would pose a stiff test for his side.
"It will be a difficult game, as it always is against Rayo," he said. "Everyone knows how they play, they battle, are well organised, and try and control the game with possession.
"They are in their best moment of the season, and have won their last four games at home. It is important we are aware of that and to keep going with the attitude we had against Granada. For sure this will be a more difficult game."
Ancelotti said Iker Casillas would play in goal against Rayo, but would be rested for Saturday's game against Eibar, with backup Keylor Navas getting another game.
There was no confirmation of whether Sami Khedira would return to the squad, amid some reports that the Germany midfielder had already played his last game for Madrid.
"Playing with Germany helped him -- he is in good physical state now," Ancelotti said. "I consider him a Real Madrid player until end of season. He is showing great professionalism."
Source: ESPN
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