Real Madrid: Zidane on Bale, Osasuna, Copa del Rey exit...

Recent Real Madrid absentee Gareth Bale was the focus of the attention as Los Blancos' head coach, Zinedine Zidane, spoke to the media ahead of the team's LaLiga clash with Osasuna on Sunday (16:00 CET).

The Welshman, who has played for Madrid just twice in 2020, has been left out of Zidane's last three matchday squads, despite seemingly overcoming the ankle knock that forced him to miss the win at Real Valladolid on 26 January.

Zidane's pre-Osasuna press conference:

Bale's agent, Jonathan Barnett, has told AS he can't train five days a week:

"He's absolutely capable of training five days a week. He's done that in the time since his last game, for example."

See also: Barnett: "Gareth loves Madrid; he loves the city. He has a lovely life"

Are you happy with Bale?

"Yes, I'm happy with all the players I have. I have 25 players at my disposal and I have to name a squad before every game. There's no problem. He'll continue working and he's in our plans."

Bale arrived at the Bernabéu after kick-off to watch the Real Sociedad game, and left before the end:

"I don't think that was disrespectful. He wants to be here, train and fight for his place. There are times when he's not picked, as has been the case in recent squads, but that doesn't mean anything."

See also: Bale leaves Real Sociedad game early missing nail-biting end

Bale staying at Madrid until 2022:

"There's no problem with that. That's what his contract says and he's going to stay."

Explaining to Bale why he has been left out:

"We always discuss things, but I'm not here to talk about that. He hasn't been in recent squads because of things... I have to choose. Gareth is in my plans, because we know what he can bring. I want him to be in the best shape possible to play."

Will Bale be in the squad to face Osasuna?

"He could be in the squad, because he's ready. You'll find out later. I'm not going to tell you now."

Osasuna:

"We're conscious of the test we're going to face: it'll be a tough match at a difficult place to go to, against a difficult side who are doing really well."

Copa del Rey defeat to La Real:

"We're not happy with our performance in the Copa. We've analysed it all together and the good thing is that we have a game three days later."

Will the Copa exit take a psychological toll on the squad?

"Absolutely not. I've said in every press conference this season that we've won nothing yet and, by the same token, nothing's going to change after losing one game. We have to keep on fighting right until the end of the season."