Real Madrid hopeful of Bale return early next month

Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane is hopeful of welcoming Gareth Bale back to first team action at the start of next month.

Bale, 27, has been sidelined since November after requiring surgery to repair ankle tendon damage he suffered in a Champions League group stage match against Portuguese giants Sporting.

The Wales international has become something of a forgotten man as Madrid continue their charge towards a first league title since 2012 but Zidane is hopeful of having his No.11 available for the second leg of their Champions League last 16 tie against Napoli next month.

“I hope Bale is back with us before the return leg against Napoli,” Sky Sports quote Zidane as saying at the end of last week. “He still has to return to team training, which is the most important thing. He’s fine. He’s working very well and looks determined.”

Bale is still Madrid’s highest rated player in La Liga (7.84) rating and his return should be a huge boost for Zidane’s side as they look to defend their Champions League title, as well as maintain their current one-point lead at the top of La Liga.

For more stats on Gareth Bale, click here to visit his WhoScored player page