Madrid: Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane on Friday announced the return of Gareth Bale after a nearly 75-days hiatus due to an ankle injury. The Wales forward has been added to the squad for Saturday's La Liga match with Espanyol.

Bale went under the knife to treat damaged ankle tendons, after which he completed his recovery and resumed training, reports Efe.

However, Zidane decided not to force his return in the Champions League clash with Napoli, preferring to give him minutes against Espanyol.

Although Bale's return does not mean Espanyol will confront the BBC attacking trio of Karim Benzema, Bale and Cristiano Ronaldo, as Zidane has already confirmed striker Alvaro Morata as a starter, the French coach was happy that the trio were all available again.

--IANS