Gareth Bale Injury: Updates on Real Madrid Star's Foot and Return

Gareth Bale has returned to Real Madrid's starting lineup for the Champions League quarter-final first leg with Atletico Madrid.

Continue for updates.

---

Bale Returns to Squad vs. Atletico Madrid

Monday, April 13

Real Madrid confirmed that Bale is in the team's starting lineup as it takes on Atletico Madrid.

On March 13, Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti cheekily confirmed Bale's availability, per Dermot Corrigan of ESPN FC:

As reported by Marca, Bale returned to training on Sunday and is "all set" for Tuesday's tie. Bale's practice included a warm-up, some muscle work, crossing and shooting practice, before rounding off with a match.

---

Bale Out of Eibar Match, Facing Scan 

Friday, April 10

Corrigan provided comment from Ancelotti on Friday, confirming Bale's absence for Saturday's visit of Eibar:

Corrigan also indicated Bale underwent tests:

---

Bale Plays Full Game Against Rayo

Wednesday, April 8

The world's most expensive player was among the 23 players who travelled to the Estadio de Vallecas to face Rayo on April 8, per AS:

Bale picked up a yellow card during his full appearance. Prior to this, Spanish publication Mundo Deportivo had speculated that Bale's problem could keep him out for the remainder of the campaign, tweeted by Corrigan:

Corrigan dispelled such speculation, however:

---

Ancelotti Reveals Bale Problem

Tuesday, April 7

Corrigan previously reported comments from Ancelotti:

David Ramos/Getty Images

Bale has endured a difficult time at the Bernabeu of late and received criticism from sections of the Madrid support, with his place in Ancelotti's starting lineup coming under fire.

He remains a key part of the side's attacking plans alongside Cristiano Ronaldo and Karim Benzema, but Ancelotti indicated rotation could take place even without injuries, per Corrigan:

Bale netted twice in Wales' recent 3-0 demolition of Israel. He then put up a stubborn defence to those who question his talents, quoted by the Mirror's Andrew Gwilym as saying:

"

I don’t need to answer the critics. I know, and everyone around me knows what I can do. There are ups and downs in football, you have to take it with a pinch of salt and all you can do is respond with your performances on the pitch, like that.

I don’t feel I need to prove anyone wrong or right, I just need to play my football. I love playing for Wales, it’s a big honour and the most important thing is I focus on my football. I don’t listen to anyone else or what they’re saying. I am just enjoying my football with the boys.

"

Alex Caparros/Getty Images

Any road back to his best form will be impeded by this latest injury setback. He recently opened the scoring against Granada, but many Madrid fans are still struggling to welcome his lack of defensive cover.

A poll by AS gave 12,000 voters seven options—Bale, Ronaldo, Benzema, Isco, James Rodriguez, Luka Modric and Toni Kroos—to be dropped. A huge 31.94 percent (4,495 votes) opted for Bale.

Ancelotti will hope to see his Welsh wizard make a return to top form before the end of the season and boost his side's title chances in both foreign and domestic competition.