Spurs star Bale to miss Wales friendly

Tottenham winger Gareth Bale has been ruled out of Wales' friendly against the Republic of Ireland on Wednesday. Bale was only able to train on his own on Monday rather than join his Wales team-mates in their session and will not be risked for the clash in Cardiff as he recovers from a foot injury. The 24-year-old, who has not played for Spurs in nearly a month, has been widely linked with a world record transfer to Real Madrid. Bale was understood to be concerned at doing further damage to his foot with the move potentially on the horizon, and a Welsh FA spokesman confirmed he would not be part of Wales manager Chris Coleman's plans. Tottenham manager Andre Villas-Boas had already said he did not expect Bale to be fit for the north London club's Premier League opener against Crystal Palace on Sunday, but the winger travelled to south Wales to meet up with his international team-mates. 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 will be in the stands at Cardiff City Stadium on Wednesday evening. Bale is the third player ruled out for the friendly against Ireland after Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey and West Ham defender James Collins withdrew from the squad with ankle and knee injuries respectively. Source: AFP