Real Madrid injury news: Gareth Bale to miss Valencia clash but Karim Benzema returns to training

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has suffered a massive blow ahead of the La Liga clash with Valencia on Sunday (8 May) after the club revealed that Gareth Bale and Keylor Navas suffered injuries during the midweek victory over Manchester City. The Welshman, the keeper, and as well Dani Carvajal, have thus missed the Friday training session and his return to action will depend on the evolution of the issues.

In better news, Karim Benzema and Casemiro, returned to the training workout following their absence in the Champions League second leg semi-final.

The new injuries are a massive blow to Los Blancos's hopes of claiming the league title as they need to win the game to keep their fight going with leaders Barcelona and Atletico Madrid in the two games remaining, being currently one point behind them.

Bale has been arguably the best Real Madrid player since he returned to action for another spell on the sidelines earlier in March. The former Spurs hero has scored four goals in the last five games, including two in the 3-2 victory over Rayo Vallecano and the winner at Real Sociedad at the weekend to keep Real Madrid's hopes of winning La Liga title alive.

The Wales international also played a crucial role in the Champions League second leg semi-final victory over Manchester City on Wednesday (4 May) night, as the only goal over the two legs came after his cross was deflected off Fernando.

However, Bale ended the game with some niggles in his knee and is consequently expected to miss the Sunday clash against Valencia.

"Following the tests carried out on Gareth Bale, he has been diagnosed with a joint strain in his right knee," Real Madrid confirmed on the club's official website. His recovery will continue to be assessed."

Meanwhile, regarding the number 1, the club added: "Following tests carried out on Keylor Navas, he has been diagnosed with tendinitis in the achilies tendon of his left foot. His recovery will continue to be assessed."

Reports in Spain rule out a major injury but claim that the Real Madrid boss will leave him out of the game to avoid any risk ahead of the Champions League final with Atletico Madrid on 28 May. Bale, nevertheless, may be also ready to return to action for the last La Liga game of the season at Deportivo de la Coruna.

The club, meanwhile, have revealed that Benzema and Casemiro completed the Friday training session and could be in line to return to action against Valencia, after the duo missed the win over Manchester City. Carvajal, meanwhile, also missed the session.

"Benzema and Casemiro completed a session with the group in which ball work took centre stage," Real Madrid said, although it remains in doubt whether they will be available for selection. "Keylor Navas, Bale and Carvajal worked in the indoor facilities."

Real Madrid need to win their remaining two games to have any chance of winning La Liga, while also hoping that Barcelona and Atletico both drop points in the process. The Catalans host Espanyol in a Barcelona derby his weekend, while Atletico have a comfortable trip to La Liga-bottom Levante, who are already relegated.