Bale ruled out of Olympics with injury - report

Bale ruled out of Olympics with injury - report

Jun 30, 2012 4:08:00 PM

The Tottenham midfielder is believed to have suffered a recurrence of back and hip injuries which will keep him out of Stuart Pearce's 18-man Team GB Olympic squad

Gareth Bale is set to miss out on the London 2012 Olympics after suffering a recurrence of an old injury, according to Associated Press.

The 22-year-old Welshman was widely expected to play a key role in Stuart Pearce's 18-man squad for the tournament but is reported to have pulled up with a back and hip injury whilst running.

Bale is understood to be cautious about further aggravating his injury, with the new Premier League campaign just seven weeks away.

And the Spurs midfielder has already informed Pearce of his decision to make himself unavailable for selection after receiving medical advice.

Bale had previously made public his desire to represent Team GB at the Olympic games and even went against the Welsh FA by posing for pictures in the squad's kit without their permission.

The Welshman's injury will come as another blow to Team GB fans, many of whom were shocked by Pearce's controversial decision to leave out former England captain David Beckham.

Bale's absence means Ryan Giggs, Craig Bellamy and Aaron Ramsey will lead the Welsh contingent in Pearce's squad, which will be formally announced on Monday.

Team GB have been drawn in Group A alongside Senegal, Uruguay and United Arab Emirates and will begin their campaign against the African side at Old Trafford on July 26.

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