Madrid's Bale set for weekend return, say Spanish media

MADRID (Reuters) - Gareth Bale has not suffered a thigh injury and will return to La Liga action for Real Madrid at the weekend, Spanish media reported.

(Reuters)

The Welsh winger was taken off at half-time during Saturday's goalless derby draw with Atletico Madrid after suffering discomfort in his thigh, according to coach Julen Lopetegui, who left him out of the Champions League squad to face CSKA Moscow on Tuesday.

Madrid sports newspapers AS and Marca said tests on Monday showed Bale had no serious injury, adding he was expected to return to training on Thursday ahead of Saturday's game at Alaves.

After Cristiano Ronaldo moved to Juventus in the summer, the onus has been on Bale to take the playing reins at Real. The forward has responded with four goals in eight games across all competitions.

(Reporting by Rik Sharma; editing by John Stonestreet)