Gareth Bale's Return Comes at Perfect Time Amid Man Utd Transfer Speculation

Carlo Ancelotti, one senses, is not one to react to hyperbole. A diplomat, a fine manager and a cool voice of reason, the Real Madrid boss has always had a knack for putting matters into perspective with brevity.

So when the Italian was quizzed about Gareth Bale at a press conference last week, the 55-year-old nonchalantly squashed the concerns over the Welshman's form, fitness and value to the European champions in his characteristically calm manner.

"It seems like many have forgotten that Gareth Bale scored in the Copa del Rey and Champions League finals [last season]," Ancelotti told reporters.

Quite clearly, he was more than a little miffed at the heat directed at his star forward. After all, the former Tottenham ace had tallied four goals and four assists in his last six appearances prior to his absence through injury.

Such numbers, however, still hadn't been enough to dampen the transfer speculation surrounding Bale, with both the Express and Daily Star expanding on reports from Spain that Real Madrid were ready to do business with Louis van Gaal and Manchester United for the world's most expensive player.

Gonzalo Arroyo Moreno/Getty Images

As has been his way since arriving in Madrid, Bale himself has had very little to say on the rumours. That's simply not his style.

But sidelined by injury, the 25-year-old has also been denied the chance to respond with his play—undoubtedly his preferred method of operation.

In his absence, Isco has been a standout for the men in white, with James Rodriguez looking comfortable in Bale's right-sided role, too. Quickly, amid a period of staggering dominance for Los Blancos, the notion that Real Madrid might be better without Bale had—rather shortsightedly—grown considerably.

For his part, Ancelotti was quick to stress he doesn't agree.

"Bale is a very important player for us and he'll play when he has recovered," the Italian told Marca's Enrique Ortego during the Welshman's recovery. The vibe emanating from the manager, according to Ortego, was clear: "Bale starts when he is fit, and that is non-negotiable."

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Ancelotti's unwavering confidence in one of his leading stars is typical of the Madrid boss. It's why he's been able to orchestrate an obvious sense of harmony within the club's star-studded, ego-filled squad.

Bale, certainly, will want to repay that faith, but he'll also be eager to silently prove a point to those questioning a Ballon d'Or nominee.

Thus, Real Madrid's Champions League clash with Liverpool on Tuesday—the game in which Bale will likely make his return, as reported by ESPN—comes at a perfect time for the Welshman.

Had his absence continued, the speculation surrounding his situation had the potential to become a season-long distraction. Instead, Bale now has an opportunity to quickly put it to rest in a marquee European fixture.

Liverpool admittedly aren't what they once were, but this is still a clash of Champions League royalty—the sort in which reputations are forged at the Bernabeu more than any other.

Denis Doyle/Getty Images

Tuesday's return, of course, is about more than just numbers and statistics for Bale. A breathtaking athlete, it had strangely become the Welshman's work rate and defensive contribution that had led to doubts over his importance to Los Blancos and position ahead of Isco and Rodriguez in Ancelotti's pecking order.

Typically, questions over one's work ethic and two-way commitment tend to bring about a steely response from the world's finest, of which Bale is most definitely one.

One also senses Bale will carry a feeling of wanting to make up for lost time when he returns to action against Liverpool. During the summer, the club's record signing made it clear that last season's achievements were only the beginning.

"I want to have an even better season than last year: I want to give more assists and score more goals. I want to improve in every aspect," he told Pete Jenson of the Daily Mail in July.

Many would argue, quite fairly, that he's regressed slightly from the heights of his 2013-14 campaign.

While some tactical and systematic changes have proved to be contributing factors, Bale will be relishing the chance to reverse the perception that has turned on him, to silence his critics with exactly what brought him to Real Madrid in the first place.

He did it when he first arrived and he's likely to do it again. A clash with Liverpool in the Champions League is the perfect opportunity to do so.