Gareth Bale Injury: Updates on Real Madrid Star's Illness and Return

Updates from Tuesday, April 29

Gareth Bale has declared himself fit for Real Madrid's Champions League semi-final second leg at Bayern Munich.

Bale told reporters, per ESPN FC's Dermot Corrigan:

"

I feel good. I have had a few days training to recover and get going again. I am hoping to play tomorrow and looking forward to it.

"

Updates from Friday, April 25

Gareth Bale remains a doubt for Real Madrid's weekend La Liga clash against Osasuna.

Carlo Ancelotti told Madrid's official Twitter:

Updates from Thursday, April 24

Carlo Ancelotti has promised Gareth Bale will be back to full fitness for Real Madrid's Champions League semi-final second leg against Bayern Munich.

Bale was only fit enough for the bench on Wednesday, but his boss told the club's official Twitter:

Updates from Wednesday, April 23

Gareth Bale is expected to be fit for Real Madrid's Champions League semi-final first leg against Bayern Munich, according to UEFA reporter Paul Bryan:

However, Bale did not make the starting lineup (via Sky Sports):

Bale did come on as a substitute in the second half (via Real Madrid):

Original Text

Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale is battling through the flu ahead of Wednesday's Champions League semifinal clash with reigning title-holders Bayern Munich, according to Reuters' Iain Rogers.   

Bleacher Report's Guillem Balague adds that Bale is away from the squad and resting at home:

It remains to be seen whether Bale will recover in time for Wednesday's first leg at the Bernabeu. But there's no doubt that Los Blancos manager Carlo Ancelotti will be crafting a game plan to implement in a scenario where Bale is either unable to suit up or limited by his illness.

If the 24-year-old isn't fit in time for the match, Real will be dealt a massive blow as Bale has come on strong since the end of March, scoring six goals in his past six appearances for Real. His most recent goal propelled Los Blancos to a Copa del Rey title.

Potentially getting Cristiano Ronaldo back at 100 percent, per Rogers, will help, but Bale's status will also be critical to Real's chances in Wednesday's first leg.