• La Liga

Bale back for Madrid, included in squad to face Celta Vigo

ESPN staff
January 6, 2014
Ancelotti was cautious to include Bale

Gareth Bale has been included in Real Madrid's squad to face Celta Vigo on Monday night after missing the festive period with a calf injury.

Since making his world record £85 million move from Tottenham to the Bernabeu in the summer, Bale has been battling injuries during his short career at Madrid.

However, with nine goals for his new side, including a hat-trick against Valladolid, he is set to make a return to the side for Madrid's La Liga clash against Celta Vigo.

Bale suffered a calf problem in training before Christmas, and has since missed the wins over Olimpic Xatvia in the Copa del Rey and the league victory over Valencia.

And manager Carlo Ancelotti said: "He will be in the squad, but I have to decide if he's going to play. He trained this week, he's well, he has no problems, but it could be we will wait a little more to have him in optimum condition."

Madrid will be looking to stay in touch with the joint league-leaders Barcelona and Atletico Madrid, who are currently eight points clear having returned from the winter break with victories on the weekend.

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