WELSHMAN HAS PLAYED JUST ONE FRIENDLY - Bale the 'antivirus'

Posted Wednesday, November 20, 2013 by Marca.com

Injury to Khedira and Xabi Alonso's scare, mean Ancelotti will breathe a sigh of relief to see Gareth Bale return in one piece to Valdebebas. The Welshman has just played one friendly match and will have the whole week to rest before the game against Almería.

The rest will be welcome news for Bale, who will head into the next league encounter in top shape, unlike his teammates Cristiano Ronaldo and Benzema, who will fight to take their countries to the World Cup, meaning a huge physical and mental effort.

In the last few games, Bale has finally performed to the standards of the Bernabéu faithful - with goals and assists. The pre-season performed by the player before the international break did him the world of good and apart from the below-poor display at the Camp Nou, the winger has produced his best form.

Although he has travelled with and played for Wales during the international break, he has come out of it ok, despite some tough tackles from the Finnish defenders that almost sent him back to Spain on a stretcher. The so-called 'FIFA virus' has been kind to him, to the delight of Ancelotti, who complained about the dates of the international games on Monday.

Ancelotti has found an ally in Wales coach Chris Coleman, who understands Real Madrid's concerns and is prepared to collaborate with the club and rest Bale in unnecessary games.

"He'll probably say he wants to play in every game, but that's a dialogue we have to have with Madrid due to the club's investment", Coleman said.