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Ryan Giggs expects Gareth Bale to be fit for Real Madrid at weekend

Bale missed the games against Spain and Republic of Ireland; Aaron Ramsey became a father to twins over the weekend

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Ryan Giggs expects Gareth Bale to be fit for Real Madrid at the weekend and confirms Aaron Ramsey has become father to twins

Ryan Giggs has said he expects Gareth Bale to be available for Real Madrid at the weekend and admitted he did not want to risk injuring him against Spain or Republic of Ireland.

Bale returned to Madrid on Sunday after missing Wales' 4-1 defeat against Spain in Cardiff and having been ruled out of Tuesday night's Sky Live clash against Ireland with fatigue.

But Giggs confirmed the Real forward is not suffering from a long-term problem and predicted he will be available for selection when Real Madrid play Levante at the Bernabeu on Saturday lunchtime.

Gareth Bale playing for Wales
Image: Bale missed Wales' defeat to Spain and returned to Madrid on Sunday

"I expect him to be fit for the weekend. It was nothing really, just a bit of fatigue, but we had to be careful," said Giggs.

"If we did play him then you run the risk of it being a bigger injury, so we didn't want to risk it. I would imagine he will be fine for the weekend."

Giggs also denied suggestions Real may have had a say in the decision to omit Bale from the friendly international with Spain at the Principality Stadium and against Republic of Ireland in the UEFA Nations League at the Aviva Stadium.

Live UEFA Nations League

"He just wasn't right and hadn't done the workload," added Bale. "If it was a cup final or something then potentially, we might [have played him].

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"The plan was to leave it as late as possible. I expect him to train this week and be ready for the weekend."

Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey - who revealed this week that he expects to remain at the club in the January transfer window despite contract talks having broken down - played against Spain but was omitted from the squad to face the Irish due to 'family reasons'.

 during the International Friendly match between Wales and Spain on October 11, 2018 in Cardiff, United Kingdom.
Image: Arsenal midfielder Aaron Ramsey has become father to twins

Giggs confirmed that Ramsey had become father to twins over the weekend and said he had been planning to be without him against Martin O'Neill's side.

"Good news - he had two additions to the family over the weekend, so huge congratulations to Rambo," said Giggs.

"He's stayed in London with his family and we had planned for that."

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Highlights of Wales' international friendly against Spain at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff

As for the game in Dublin, Giggs backed his younger players to perform and said he was keen to give them the opportunity to impress.

"It's a great chance for players to come in and put in a good performance," said Giggs.

"We've seen likes of Connor Roberts come in, do well, and stay in the team. It gives more players an opportunity."

Watch Republic of Ireland v Wales in the UEFA Nations League on Tuesday. Coverage begins on Sky Sports Football and Sky Sports Main Event from 7pm.

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