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Gareth Bale has endured another troubled campaign with injuries ensuring that he has not featured for Real Madrid across the past five months.

The Welshman had appeared to be enjoying a new lease of life in the Spanish capital following the return of boss Carlo Ancelotti this summer.

The Italian had been in the dugout whenever Bale signed for Los Blancos from Tottenham in the summer of 2013 and the forward’s best form at the club came under the boss.

Yet Bale suffered fresh injury heartbreak with a hamstring pull seeing him miss months of the campaign while various fitness setbacks since have delayed his return to action.

That had prompted suggestions that Bale may not feature for the club again with his contract expiring in the summer.

Such speculation has now been rejected with the former Southampton star receiving support both inside and outside of the club for him to continue his fight for a starting spot.

As things stand, Vinicius Junior and Rodrygo Goes are not available for the side’s upcoming Copa del Rey clash as they are on international duty with Brazil.

Furthermore, Marco Asensio has suffered a fitness setback while Eden Hazard has failed to impress – opening the door for Bale to force his way back into Ancelotti’s line-up.

A report in Marca outlines how the Welshman still retains the full support of Ancelotti and his coaching staff, who plan to