LONDON, Nov. 5 (Xinhua) -- Wales coach Ryan Giggs has included Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale in his squad for the vital Euro 2020 qualifying games against Azerbaijan and Hungary despite the 30-year-old not playing since October 13.
Bale suffered a calf injury in Wales' 1-1 draw against Croatia and despite the injury not appearing to be too serious, he has not appeared for Real Madrid since the last international break.
Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane commented before last weekend that the forward was "on the training pitch working to be fit again," but Bale is unlikely to feature against Galatasaray in the Champions League on Wednesday or away to Eibar next weekend ahead of the next international break.
When asked about his decision Giggs commented that Bale's injury was "not important" and added that he had "been in continued contact" with the player, who was "convinced" he'd be fit to represent his country.
The news will only add to rumors of Bale's discontent at Real Madrid with the Spanish press already speculating he could leave Real Madrid in January, perhaps to move to China.