Gareth Bale injured again and will miss Real Madrid's game against Athletic Bilbao

Gareth Bale has been plagued with injuries over the last 12 months

Gareth Bale will be sidelined for Saturday's visit to Athletic Bilbao due to a recurrence of a calf problem he sustained during Tuesday's Copa del Rey tie against third-tier side Fuenlabrada.

Bale came off the bench to set up both goals in the 2-2 draw that sealed Real's place in the last 16.

However, he hasn't trained with his team-mates since and Real boss Zinedine Zidane refused to set a timeframe for the Welshman's latest return.

"It is nothing serious, it is just a niggle and, as always, we don't want to take any risks," Zidane said on Friday.

Bale has been dogged by a series of injuries that has seen him complete 90 minutes just four times for the European champions in the last year.

"Gareth's problem is that he is a very strong, very powerful player and he needs to feel right to play," added Zidane.

Bale returned to action in the midweek Copa del Rey draw with Fuenlabrada

"As in many previous occasions, it is the calf. It is a tough time for him right now, but we will come through it and all the people around Gareth have to show him a lot of affection until he is better.

"We can't forget he is an important player for us and when he is fit, he is phenomenal. We need to be patient."