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Real Madrid have sent Gareth Bale home from training with gastroenteritis, with fears that the bug could spread throughout the squad ahead of next week’s crucial Champions League tie with Manchester City.

The Welshman arrived for training on Wednesday morning but was sent home by manager Zinedine Zidane, along with striker Luka Jovic as the Frenchman looks to keep his team healthy with the big clash at the Bernabeu in mind.

Former City man Brahim Diaz, who left the Etihad to join Madrid in January 2018, also sat out Wednesday’s session.

Bale and Jovic now face a race against time to be fit for the last 16 first leg, but Los Blancos are hopeful that both will recover in time and play some part in the game.

The news is a blow to a Madrid side looking to heap more pressure on City boss Pep Guardiola after the Blues’ two-year ban from Europe pending an appeal and their inconsistent Premier League form.

Guardiola reaffirmed his plan to stay at City no matter the outcome of their appeal against the ban when he spoke after the 2-0 victory over West Ham, addressing the possible ban.

"If they don’t sack me I will be here. I love this club. I like to be here. This is my club and I will be here, no matter," he said.