Isco has admitted that Gareth Bale is struggling this season after his Real Madrid teammate suffered yet another injury setback.

The Wales international is unlikely to play again in an injury-ravaged 2017, having strained the adductor muscle in his right leg during a training session.

Bale was in line to feature for the first time since September in next weekend's Madrid derby, but he is now expected to delay his comeback until January at the earliest.

Isco feels sympathy for the 28-year-old, telling reporters: "Gareth has been injured for a long time. He's having a hard time."

Former Tottenham Hotspur forward Bale last featured for Madrid in their 3-1 win over Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League on September 26.