REAL MADRID
43 days on from injury, Bale back training with Real group
The Welshman is set to return against Celta or Roma. "It's the first full session he's done with us and he didn't feel the injury he had," said Zidane.
Fresh from confirmation of Karim Benzema's hamstring strain and Luka Modric's ankle knock, Real Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane was handed fitness news of a more positive nature as Gareth Bale rejoined group training on Tuesday - 43 days on from suffering a soleus muscle injury in the win over Sporting Gijón.
Speaking in his pre-match press conference ahead of Real's LaLiga clash with Levante on Wednesday (21:00 CET), Zidane welcomed the return of the Welshman, who remained insufficiently fit to be included in the squad to face the league's basement boys.
"Bale was with us this morning in training. It is the first full session he has done with us and he didn't feel the injury he had," Los Blancos' coach said. "He is a fundamental and important player for Madrid. It is clear when he isn't there it is harder for the team. We will see if this weekend he can be with us."
Back against Celta or Roma
Barring any setbacks, Zidane is expected to name Bale on his list for Saturday's encounter with Celta Vigo at the Bernabéu. The plan is for the 26-year-old to get some minutes under his belt against the Galicians in preparation for a starting berth in Real's Champions League last-16 second leg at home to Roma next Tuesday.
However, if Bale is not confident that he is back at 100% this weekend, Zidane will delay his recall to the squad until Madrid's midweek European assignment.