Gareth Bale trains alone after returning to Real Madrid

Returning to the Spanish capital on Tuesday, it has been reported by Football Espana that Gareth Bale trained alone as he battles back from an injury issue.

It was confirmed by Wales boss Ryan Giggs that Bale would not be featuring in Tuesday's match against Ireland.

The 29-year-old has withdrawn due to fatigue.

While many had hoped he would be fit for this weekend's game against Levante, there is still no expected return date for the forward.

Bale's injury issues

It is believed that Bale first picked up the knock in Real's 0-0 draw with Atletico last month.

However, selected to play against Alaves just three days later, the former Tottenham man was forced to limp off.

Upset by Giggs' decision to select their talisman, there are fears that the issue could be worse than first feared.

Bale's omission from Madrid's training session on Tuesday has come as a surprise after Giggs insisted he believed the forward would be fit by the weekend.

"I expect him to be fit for the weekend. It was nothing really, just a bit of fatigue, but we had to be careful."

"If we did play him then you run the risk of it being a bigger injury, so we didn't want to risk it. I would imagine he will be fine for the weekend."

Prior to picking up an injury last month, Bale was enjoying a bright start to the season.

Looking to fill the Cristiano Ronaldo shaped void at the Bernabeu, the Welshman has four goals to his name and three assists.

Real Madrid's poor start to the season

For new Real boss Julen Lopetegui a potential injury set back to one of his star men could not have come at a worse time.

Now without a win in their last four matches in all competitions, there is growing pressure on his position.

More worrying for Los Blancos, the defending Champions League winners have failed to find the net since the 22nd of September.

If Bale is to miss Saturday's crunch match against Levante he will not be short of company in the stands.

The Welshman will join fellow attackers Karim Benzema and Isco on Madrid's injury list.