Gareth Bale is set to return to Real Madrid’s starting eleven against Atletico Madrid on Tuesday after sitting out his side’s 3-0 win over Eibar on Saturday.
The Welshman had been dealing with a nagging muscle injury for the past few weeks.
Bale appeared to pick up another knock during Real Madrid’s 2-0 victory against Rayo Vallecano last Wednesday. Following the match, the forward underwent a series of tests to determine the severity of the problem. It was later learned the forward was suffering from muscle fatigue, which led to manager Carlo Ancelotti dropping him from the lineup against Eibar this weekend.
However, Bale returned to full training with the rest of the team on Sunday morning and there is every indication he will retain his starting role alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema for Tuesday’s Champions League quarter-final against Atletico Madrid.
Since their 2-1 defeat to Barcelona, Real Madrid have won three straight games by a combined score of 14-3. Club supporters will be hoping the team’s recent run of form carries over to their Champions League tie against Atletico Madrid – who they haven’t beaten in six matches this season (four losses and two draws).
Midfielders Toni Kroos and James Rodriguez will also return to the lineup for the Madrid derby after both players sat out Saturday’s match due to suspension.
Following his injury, Pepe made a brief second half substitution appearance against Eibar. The Portugal international is also expected to return to his starting role alongside Sergio Ramos in the center of Real Madrid’s defense on Tuesday.
Programming note: Atletico Madrid vs. Real Madrid will be shown LIVE on Tuesday at 2:45pm EST on FOX Sports 1 and FoxSoccer2Go.
