GARETH BALE’S World Cup dream could be in doubt after he was ruled out of LAFC’s MLS semi-final through injury.
The Wales captain, 33, is due to lead his nation in Qatar at their first global tournament since 1958.
However, he will now be sweating over his fitness with just four weeks to go until the Dragons’ opener against USA.
Bale missed Los Angeles FC’s dramatic 3-2 win over local rivals LA Galaxy on Thursday.
He sat in the stands to watch the crucial victory while Giorgio Chiellini was used as a late substitute and Cristian Arango scored a 93rd-minute winner.
When asked about Bale’s injury ahead of the World Cup, LAFC coach Steve Cherundolo sounded positive: “He should be back in training very soon in the next couple of days.
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“In the next round we should have a full roster. That’s great. Moving forward we will have all options.”
LAFC will play in the MLS Western Conference final on October 30 against either Austin or Dallas – with it hoped Bale can play a part.
The Welshman has played just five minutes of football for his club side since his 90-minute run-out for Wales against Poland in September.
And despite making 12 appearances for his new team since his debut in July, just two of those came as a starter for the £38,400-a-week winger.
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Bale spent nine years with Real Madrid, winning the Champions League five times, before his contract expired in the summer.
He only managed seven appearances in his final season with Los Blancos.
But he saved his best form for international duty – with crucial goals against Austria and Ukraine to fire Wales to Qatar 2022.
Bale’s deflected free-kick proved the only goal of the play-off in Cardiff.
And it ensured Wales’ place in Group B alongside neighbours England, Iran and the Americans.
Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
