Bale returns to Real Madrid training earlier than expected

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale has returned to full first-team training after recovering from surgery earlier than the club had initially expected.

The Wales international has spent the last three months on the sidelines with an ankle injury he picked up in a Champions League tie against Sporting back in November 2016.

💪⚽️👏 #RMCity
¡Mirad quién 🐲 está de vuelta con el grupo!#HalaMadrid pic.twitter.com/8llh3kSqIj

— Real Madrid C. F. (@realmadrid) February 12, 2017

The 27-year-old required surgery after suffering ankle tendon damage and was expected to return in two weeks time, with the return fixture against Napoli earmarked for his comeback.

However, Real Madrid’s official Twitter account confirmed the forward was back in training ahead of the first leg club’s much- anticipated Champions League last-16 clash against the Serie A side on Wednesday.

Madrid moved back to the top of La Liga with a 3-1 win over Osasuna on Saturday and will now turn their attentions back to the defence of their European crown.