As Real Madrid face injury crisis in defence,Bale now worth £86m

As Real Madrid face injury crisis in defence,Bale now worth £86m

After all the hullabaloo, Gareth Bale will finally be able to get down to business with Real Madrid this weekend – but could it be as emergency left back? 
The world’s most expensive footballer may be the only defensive option left to coach Carlo Ancelotti after both Marcelo and Fabio Coentrao picked up injuries during the international break.
Brazilian Marcelo hurt his thigh during the 6-0 demolition of Australia last weekend and missed the 'friendly' against Portugal in the early hours of Wednesday morning.

Cameo: Gareth Bale came off the bench in Wales' defeat to Serbia on Tuesday night

And Portuguese Coentrao – whose deadline day move to Manchester United collapsed at the last moment – limped off in that 3-1 defeat to Brazil in Massachussets.
Which leaves £86million Welshman Bale, bought for his searing attacking pace and his eye for a goal, facing the possibility of a debut against Villarreal on Saturday night in the back four.
Madristas had been wondering how Bale would be accommodated alongside Cristiano Ronaldo, Karim Benzema, Isco, Angel di Maria, Assier Illarramendi, et al.
Now Ancelotti has something of a left back crisis – and the versatile Bale fits the bill.

Blow: Fabio Coentrao limped out of Portugal's friendly defeat to Brazil

Doubt: Marcelo (left) is also injured, meaning Bale could make his Real Madrid debut at left back

He came off the bench for Wales on Tuesday night, playing his first half an hour of competitive football this season following foot and groin injuries, plus his on-going transfer saga.
And he is no stranger to the position.  At one stage it looked as if he was destined to be a defender and has played there for club and country.
But that was without any expectations. Real Madrid fans will be counting on something special from Bale on Saturday and that might be a touch difficult from a defensive position away from home.

Main man: Bale finally completed his £86milion move from Tottenham to Real Madrid last week

Marcelo, 25, has been described as the best left back in the world by none other than Roberto Carlos – although that did not stop former Real coach Manuel Pellegrini playing him as  a left winger a couple of seasons ago.
Coentrao could easily have been a United player by now and has a top pedigree too. Ancelotti will be hoping that his early departure from the game against Brazil is more of a precaution.
If he is ruled out, the eyes of the world will be on Gareth Bale, £86m left back.

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