Bale in fitness race to make CL final

Cape Town - Real Madrid are hopeful that Gareth Bale will be able to return from injury in time for the Champions League final.

Bale has been out of action since suffering a calf injury in the El Clasico defeat to Barcelona last month.

It’s the second spell that the 27-year-old has faced on the side-lines this season and saw him ruled out of both Champions League semi-final legs with Atletico Madrid.

But Real boss Zinedine Zidane believes there is a possibility that Bale will be available for the final against Juventus, in the Welsh international’s hometown of Cardiff.

"He's recovering and there's time for him to be ready for the final," said Zidane.

"I hope he's ready before and I hope he can be with us more than anything. We're a better team when he plays."

Zidane’s supportive words are unlikely to halt the speculation over Bale’s future, with Manchester United continuing to be linked with a move for the ex-Spurs man.