Madrid coach Zidane said last week that he hoped to have Bale available again before the Champions League last-16 second leg against Napoli on March 7, but the 27-year-old forward has already returned to full training and is now set to be involved against Espanyol.

Zidane told a pre-match press conference, reported on the club's website: "He will be in the squad and the plan is for him to have some minutes. We're keen and he's keen as well.

"Bale is a very important player for us. We know the quality and speed that he has, and the damage he can cause the opposition.

"He's very happy to return to the team, to be with us, and be able to play again."