Bale trains with the squad, should be ready to play El Clasico

Gareth Bale completed most part of Thursday's training session with the Real Madrid squad as he tries to recover in time for next Sunday's El Clasico against FC Barcelona. The Welshman picked up a small calf injury during the first leg of the Champions League quarterfinals in Germany and was forced to miss Tuesday's clash against Bayern, although coach Zinedine Zidane suggested that he would be ready to face Barcelona.

Here's Real Madrid's official report from Thursday's training session:

Zidane's squad carried out their first training session since qualifying for the Champions League semi-finals and now turn their attention to the game against Barcelona (Sunday 8:45pm CEST). Bale rejoined the group, in a session in which the starting eleven from Tuesday's game carried out drills using the ball, before training using the indoor facilities.

The other players warmed up before taking part in rondo style drills, before playing a game on a reduced size pitch. Zidane called on the Castilla players Tejero, Lienhart, Quezada, Salto and Enzo. Pepe continued his recovery process, while Varane trained alone out on the pitch.

This report indicates that Bale is not quite ready to play, but he should recover in time for the decisive match against Barcelona. In any case, if he doesn't, Zidane will not rush him and will wait some more time to have him completely ready for the Champions League semifinals.