Ancelotti questions Wales’ decision in using Bale

Carlo Ancelotti

, the

boss, has questioned if

Gareth Bale

should have featured for

in the international break.

The Wales international has not played for Real Madrid since August after sustaining a knee injury in the clash against Real Betis.

The ex-Tottenham forward had his 100th senior international game for his country during their thumping 5-1 victory over Belarus; however, he suffered a calf injury in that match and is now going to miss several weeks of action.

"

He had recovered [from the knee injury]. Wales thought he was fit enough to play," 

Ancelotti told reporters on Sunday's trip to

.

"Perhaps they shouldn't have played him, but we have to make sure he recovers now because he could be a very useful player for the rest of this season and we hope to have him back soon.

"Gareth is an important player for Wales and he likes playing for his national team, but he also wants to play for Real Madrid. You can see when he trains with the effort and work he puts in. Of course, if he wants to play for his national team, he has to play well for Real Madrid and train well too."

The Los Blancos manager was also quizzed about Eden Hazard, who was labeled as "sad in footballing terms" by Belgium head coach Roberto Martinez.

The attacker has only been in the starting XI four times this season and Ancelotti can understand his frustration.

"

Of course, Hazard, like most players who don't play often, is unhappy," 

he said.

"To be honest, I would be unhappy if he wasn't. You want players to try and fight for a first team spot.

"He's had a stomach bug and needs two or three days rest. It's not Covid. It's like a stomach flu."

The ex-Everton boss also cleared his frustration at several games his side has to play before the winter break as they have nine games in 31 days.

"

The players, clubs and managers have all come out and said there are too many games,"

 Ancelotti exclaimed.

"Something has to change. The way football is working right now isn't good for the sport, and changes have to be good changes, not decisions that lack common sense."

The 62-year-old was also pressed about the recent arrival of

Xavi

at

, saying:

"I'm sure Xavi is going to bring something different to the club.

"I'm sure we are going to be fighting them for the title, and I'd like to discover if there is anything different with this Barcelona side as soon as possible."

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