Real Madrid hero Gareth Bale to miss Wales friendly with Holland

GARETH BALE has pulled out of the Wales squad for next week's friendly against Holland.

BALE-OUT: Gareth Bale out of the Wales friendly against Holland

The newly crowned Champions League winner has been ruled out due to an ongoing leg injury.

The Real Madrid star was a fitness doubt ahead of Saturday's big clash against cross-town rivals Atletico, but was passed fit and scored a crucial goal in the 4-1 win.

But he has now withdrawn from international duty because of the same problem.

"Gareth Bale has withdrawn from the Welsh squad to travel to Amsterdam to face the Netherlands in a friendly international next week," said a statement from the Football Association of Wales.

"Bale has been troubled with a leg muscle injury for a few weeks."

The attacking midfielder's place in the squad will now be taken by Fulham's George Williams.