Real Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that a hip injury has ruled Gareth Bale out of the upcoming El Clasico with Barcelona.
Fears over Bale's fitness intensified when the 25-year-old was ruled out of tonight's encounter with Liverpool in the Champions League.
Spanish reports on Tuesday had suggested that the Blancos were confident of having their world-record signing fit and available for Saturday's clash at the Santiago Bernabeu.
"Gareth Bale is out of the Liverpool and Barcelona clashes," Ancelotti told reporters. "We have a very competitive squad with a lot of quality to cover Bale's absence."
Bale played a starring role in last season's Copa del Rey final win over the Catalans by grabbing an 85th-minute winner.
Kickoff on Saturday is scheduled for 5pm.
