Real Madrid have received a boost after medical tests found Gareth Bale has a swollen calf as opposed to a muscle tear.
Bale suffered the problem in last week's Champions League victory over Borussia Dortmund, a match where he scored one and set up another.
While his injury ruled him out of Madrid's LaLiga match with Espanyol on Sunday and Wales' crucial upcoming World Cup qualifiers against Georgia and the Republic of Ireland, it is not as bad as first feared.
Reports in Spain suggest the swollen calf has a recovery period of 10 to 15 days, meaning he will hope to be fit for the crunch Champions League clash with former club Tottenham on October 17.
"Following tests carried out on Gareth Bale, he has been diagnosed with swelling but no tear in the soleus muscle of his left leg," Madrid said in a statement on Wednesday. "His recovery will be monitored."
Champions Madrid will be relieved at Bale's diagnosis as they bid to bridge a seven-point gap to LaLiga leaders Barcelona following a slow start to the season.
'People will remember us because we got to No.1 in the world rankings and achieved great things - but our biggest regret is that we didn’t win anything': Ex-Everton star Kevin Mirallas opens up on 'honour' of being part of nation's golden generation
‘I’m sure we’d have finished in the top four or five if he hadn’t joined Chelsea in January. Him leaving damaged the team, but we couldn’t stand in his way’: Alan Curbishley reflects on failed Champions League dream after selling key player
