Bale, James left out of Real Madrid´s squad for Salzburg friendly

Gareth Bale and James Rodriguez were both left out of Real Madrid’s squad for Los Blancos’ friendly against Salzburg on Wednesday.

Unsettled forward Bale was on the verge of a move to Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning last month, but the proposed deal collapsed.

Bale did not feature in Madrid’s last pre-season friendly – a 5-3 win over Fenerbahce on July 31 – having been left out of their squad for the Audi Cup due to illness.

The 30-year-old was spotted golfing, however, while Madrid were in action against his former club Tottenham a day earlier.

It does not appear a transfer is imminent for Bale, with agent Jonathan Barnett previously telling Omnisport his client will remain at Santiago Bernabeu despite a clear breakdown in his relationship with Zinedine Zidane.

Although seemingly being fit for selection, Bale has not been included in Madrid’s 20-man squad for the meeting with Austrian champions Salzburg.

 Our 20-man squad for tonight’s friendly match against @FCRBS_en! #HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/IkEWR1OSJb

— Real Madrid C.F.(@realmadriden) August 7, 2019

Bale is not the only big name to miss out, with James – who has not featured at all in Madrid’s pre-season after two campaigns on loan at Bayern Munich – also not included.

Napoli and Atletico Madrid have both declared their interest in the Colombia playmaker, though no breakthrough has yet been made in a deal with either club.

Close-season signings Eden Hazard, Luka Jovic and Eder Militao do feature, though Ferland Mendy is out with a hamstring injury.