Euro 2016: Gareth Bale survives Wales fitness scare after toe scan

Gareth Bale started in a more central attacking role for Real Madrid at Sporting Gijon

Gareth Bale has been involved in a fitness scare a week before joining up with Wales for two crucial Euro 2016 qualifiers against Cyprus and Israel.

Spanish newspaper Marca reported the Real Madrid forward needed a scan on a painful toe following Sunday's goalless Primera Liga draw at Sporting Gijon.

But an X-ray showed no break and Bale, 26, has been declared fully fit.

"Everything is fine... it's just very badly bruised but a few days and I'll be fine," Bale told ESPN.

Wales boss Chris Coleman will name his squad on Wednesday and will be without Liverpool midfielder Joe Allen.

The 25-year-old is currently out of action with a hamstring strain but in any case is suspended for the trip to Cyprus on 3 September.

There is an outside chance Allen could be available for the home game with Israel three days later.

Fellow midfielder Joe Ledley is also without a game so far this season, although he and Crystal Palace team-mate, goalkeeper Wayne Hennessey, are expected to feature in Tuesday's League Cup Tie with Shrewsbury.

Former Wales defender Danny Gabbidon says Allen's absence is not good news for Wales, who are on the brink of qualifying for a major finals for the first time since 1958.

"They do a lot of work in midfield breaking things up and setting Bale on the attack," said Gabbidon, 36, who won 49 caps for Wales.

"So to have him [Allen] injured and Joe Ledley not playing as well, and obviously Wayne Hennessey, it's a tough one for Coleman."

Wales lead Group B by three points and wins over Cyprus and Israel could be enough to seal Wales' place at the finals in France.