Bale returns to Real Madrid squad for Alaves trip

Real Madrid's hopes of ending a three-match winless run were boosted by the return of Gareth Bale to the squad against Deportivo Alaves.

Julen Lopetegui's side have not even scored since a 1-0 triumph over Espanyol on September 22, with injury problems piling up at the Santiago Bernabeu.

But after the coach suggested at his pre-match news conference Bale would be back in contention to face Alaves, the Wales international was named in the 20-man party for Saturday's trip to Vitoria.

Bale hobbled out of last week's 0-0 draw with rivals Atletico Madrid and was one of a number of stars absent for a shock Champions League defeat at CSKA Moscow on Tuesday.

However, Dani Carvajal, Marcelo and Isco will as expected not be involved for the European champions.