Gareth Bale's name has returned to Real Madrid's team sheet after a 23-day absence. The Welshman was ruled out of the Olimpic de Xàtiva, Valencia and PSG matches due to a calf injury, a problem that has lingered on for longer than Real Madrid's medical team and coach had previously expected.
Carlo Ancelotti's plan following the winter break was to be able to field the Welsh player in the first league game of the year against Celta - a half-fulfilled objective. Bale has made the squad but is not yet ready to be a starter. Medical staff have advised Ancelotti to ease him back into the team gradually which is why he will start from the bench. He is still not ready to play a full game.
As things stand, Bale will, at most, play half hour with Di María stepping up on the right wing. As MARCA reported yesterday, the Argentine will start in place of the Welsh player and in preference to Jesé, who, despite his achievements against Valencia and PSG, is also destined for the bench. Ancelotti wants the Argentine firing on all cylinders and has therefore awarded him starter status for the first game of the year.
Di María will start against Celta, but Ancelotti will operate a system of rotations throughout the course of January meaning he will be unlikely to make the starting XI against Osasuna. Home-grown talent Jesé is in a strong position for starter status in the 'Copa del Rey' because, as the Italian coach said yesterday, they are taking things very slowly with Bale. The aim is for the Welshman to put his injury woes behind him and be on top form by the end of January, ready for a potential cup semi-final against Atlético.
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