Gareth Bale’s Real Madrid debut confirmed

Gareth Bale will make his Real Madrid debut in Saturday’s La Liga match at Villarreal.

Coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed the winger’s place in the team earlier today.

“I think everyone knows his pre-season was not normal but his physical condition is not bad,” Ancelotti said at today’s news conference in Madrid.

“I don’t know if he will start but he will play some of the match. He is very excited and very motivated.”

Speaking at the launch of Real’s third kit on Thursday, the 24-year-old Bale insisted he would be ready to answer Ancelotti’s call on Saturday night.

“I feel good,” he said.

“I have been training in the last week with Wales. I have had two good sessions today and I got half-an-hour with Wales on Tuesday.

“Obviously I am a bit behind everyone else physically, but I am hopeful I can catch up as soon as possible.

“I think you will have to wait until the match to see whether I am picked or not. Hopefully I can get my fitness up straight away and hopefully get a place in the team.”