Bale Relieved To Be Available For Croatia Clash News

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Bale Relieved To Be Available For Croatia Clash

By Daily Sports on October 13, 2019

Wales star Gareth Bale admitted he is relieved to be available to face Croatia in Sunday’s crucial Euro 2020 qualifier after escaping a red card in Slovakia.

Bale had already been booked when he fouled Slovakia defender Milan Skriniar in the closing stages of the 1-1 draw in Trnava on Thursday.

The Real Madrid forward could have been shown a red card that would have ruled him out of the Croatia clash in Cardiff.

But he was also hurt in the collision and spent a couple of minutes needing treatment before play resumed with no punishment.

“I’m fit and I’m fine, it was just a knock on the knee and a bit of ice has sorted that out,” Bale said on Saturday.

“I was more worried about getting sent off to be honest. I was just happy to get away with that one!

“But saying that, I didn't think the first one deserved a yellow, so maybe it evened itself out.”

Bale’s second yellow card of Euro 2020 qualifying means another booking would see him suspended.

Wales, who trail Group E leaders Croatia by six points and are three adrift of second-placed Slovakia, with a game in hand on both, finish their campaign with November games against Azerbaijan and Hungary.

“I can’t make too many silly tackles, I have to be mindful of that,” Bale said.

“I don’t want to miss any games for Wales, especially at the crunch time of the group.

“So I have to be clever with what I’m doing, but maybe expect someone’s going to rile me to get me suspended.

“I’m experienced enough to get through the period without picking up another booking.”

Wales have failed to win in five previous encounters with Croatia and Bale would love to end that run against his Real teammate Luka Modric. (BBC)

•PHOTO: Gareth Bale

Source Daily Sports

Posted October 13, 2019