GARETH BALE HAS handed Real Madrid a fitness boost ahead of their Champions League clash with Liverpool after returning to training following a hip injury.
The Wales international was an unused substitute in Real’s 5-0 victory at Levante three weeks ago and has missed the wins over Liverpool, Barcelona and Granada.
However, the 25-year-old appears to be nearing a comeback after taking part in Real’s final training session before their return match with the Reds in Europe on Tuesday.
“Bale joined the group for the week’s last training session, during which Cristiano Ronaldo and Marcelo worked alone and performed running drills out on the pitch,” read a statement on Real’s website.
“Bale completed a series of demanding dribbling, passing and shooting circuits.”
Madrid did not confirm if the 25-year-old would be available to face Brendan Rodgers’ men at the Santiago Bernabeu as they bid for a repeat of the 3-0 win at Anfield last week.
Bale will have to fight off competition from Isco and James Rodriguez for a place in Carlo Ancelotti’s starting XI, with both players shining in his absence.
