Bale back in training ahead of Liverpool clash
Carlo Ancelotti has called on his Real Madrid side to continue their fine form
Gareth Bale returned to training with his Real Madrid team-mates on Sunday ahead of Tuesday’s Champions League visit of Liverpool.
Bale has not played in any of Madrid’s five matches since the international break, being an unused substitute against Levante before being diagnosed with a gluteal muscle injury.
That saw the world’s most expensive player miss the European clash with Liverpool at Anfield, plus the league games against Barcelona and Granada, and the Copa del Rey trip to Cornella, as in-form Madrid extended their winning streak to 11 matches.
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However, Madrid announced that Bale was back training with Carlo Ancelotti’s squad on Sunday, completing “demanding circuits of dribbling, passing and shooting circuits” along with the six outfield players who did not start Saturday’s 4-0 win at Granada.
That victory saw Madrid move to the top of La Liga and they are also top of their Champions League group with three wins from three, leaving the holders six points clear of the other three teams.
Questions have been raised as to whether Bale will warrant a place in the starting XI given Madrid’s excellent form, but Ancelotti said after Saturday’s game: “Everyone thinks it is a problem, but I think he will help us improve.
“I’m very happy with how the side is playing, but we have to continue to play well and always try to add more to our game.”
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