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REAL MADRID

Carlo Ancelotti sets date for Gareth Bale's Real Madrid return

Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed that the Welsh forward has been medically cleared and could be back on the pitch for Los Blancos in early November.

Update:
Carlo Ancelotti sets date for Gareth Bale's Real Madrid return

Gareth Bale is beginning to see the light at the end of the tunnel. The Real Madrid forward picked up a muscle injury on 13 September, but could be back to action in less than a fortnight, according to head coach Carlo Ancelotti.

Speaking in a press conference on Tuesday ahead of the clash with Osasuna, the Italian said that Bale is expected to join the rest of the squad soon. "Bale was medically cleared yesterday, after a test he underwent. He's fine at the moment and has started to train alone. I think that in a week he will train with the team and be ready to play," Ancelotti said.

November return for Bale

"I think he will train at the beginning of next week with the group and could be available for the game against Rayo," he said. The game versus Rayo Vallecano on 6 November will be Madrid's last game before the international break. As well as Osasuna on 27 October, they face Elche on 30 October and Shakhtar Donetsk in the Champions League on 3 November.

Bale is happy at Madrid under the orders of Ancelotti, a coach who understands him, however, this injury has reminded him of his worst moments with the club. Vinicius and Rodrygo have taken advantage of his absence to make room for themselves in the starting eleven. In the final year of his contract (expiring in June 2022), Bale is going to find it difficult to get regular playing time if he does not return to his best form and put his muscular problems behind him.

Courtois passed fit to play

Ancelotti has named a 23-man squad for the match against Osasuna. The big news is the presence of Thibaut Courtois and Luka Jovic. Fede Valverde misses out after picking up an injury in Madrid's 2-1 Clásico win over Barcelona on Sunday. Miguel Gutiérrez drops out of the squad as both Ferland Mendy and Marcelo are already available.

Real Madrid matchday squad vs Osasuna

Goalkeepers: Courtois, Lunin and Toni Fuidias.

Defenders: Carvajal, Militao, Alaba, Vallejo, Nacho, Marcelo and Mendy.

Midfielders: Kroos, Modric, Casemiro, Lucas Vázquez, Camavinga and Blanco.

Forwards: Hazard, Benzema, Asensio, Jovic, Vinicius, Rodrygo and Mariano.