Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale is said to have 'excelled' in training tests this week as he returns looking noticeably leaner ahead of his comeback.
The 32-year-old, who has played just three games for Los Blancos this season having returned from his loan spell at Spurs, continues to struggle with injuries.
He picked up a knock on his calf that kept him out until November, and was recently sidelined with a back issue following his comeback on the international stage with Wales.
Bale's contract at the Bernabeu will expire at the end of the season but it seems he is keen to kick on and impress after returning to training in recent days.
For the first time in several months, the Wales international posted a snap of himself wearing Madrid's colours and fans noticed his thinner physique in the space of six months.
"At what point did Bale lose so much muscle mass?" one post read. "Only six months' difference."
Despite appearing to lose some muscle mass over the past few months, Bale excelled in Thursday's physical tests in Los Blancos training, according to journalist Edu Aguirre.
It is believed no player is able to reach the fitness standards met by the former Southampton and Spurs player.
In fact, the Welshman has surpassed his teammates 'without any kind of suffering' in regards to his fitness as he looks set to return.
Earlier in the season, Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti said that Bale remains fully committed to the Spanish club.
“Bale is committed. He has six months left on his contract and he wants to respect it," he said.
“He's been working individually. He isn't ready for this game [at Alcoyano]. I don't know if he'll be back for the Valencia game but we'll take him to Saudi Arabia.
“We have to give [Bale] the chance to feel good. If a player doesn't feel right, if he doesn't feel comfortable training collectively, if he's worried about having a problem, we have to evaluate it and give him individual work.”
Topics: Gareth Bale, Real Madrid, La Liga
Jack Kenmare