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Cape Town - Gareth Bale has pulled out of the Wales squad ahead of their friendly against the Netherlands next week.
The Real Madrid striker has been struggling with a leg muscle injury following the Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
Bale, who was expected to captain his national side in the absence of both Ashley Williams and Aaron Ramsey, has struggled at times with a muscle contracture in his left thigh, and has opted to rest himself for the clash against van Gaal's side.
A statement on the Football Association of Wales website read: "Gareth Bale has withdrawn from the Welsh squad to travel to Amsterdam to face the Netherlands in a friendly international next week.
"Bale, who scored for Real in Saturday's Champions League Final win against Atletico has been troubled with a leg muscle injury for a few weeks [and] his place in the squad will be taken by Fulham's George Williams".
Bale scored the decisive goal in the Champions League Final to win 'La Decima' for Real Madrid, and will be hoping to be back on the pitch as soon as possible.
The Real Madrid striker has been struggling with a leg muscle injury following the Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid on Saturday.
Bale, who was expected to captain his national side in the absence of both Ashley Williams and Aaron Ramsey, has struggled at times with a muscle contracture in his left thigh, and has opted to rest himself for the clash against van Gaal's side.
A statement on the Football Association of Wales website read: "Gareth Bale has withdrawn from the Welsh squad to travel to Amsterdam to face the Netherlands in a friendly international next week.
"Bale, who scored for Real in Saturday's Champions League Final win against Atletico has been troubled with a leg muscle injury for a few weeks [and] his place in the squad will be taken by Fulham's George Williams".
Bale scored the decisive goal in the Champions League Final to win 'La Decima' for Real Madrid, and will be hoping to be back on the pitch as soon as possible.
