Real Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane said he has 'no problems' with Gareth Bale as the Welshman prepared to return to the La Liga for the first time in a month.
Bale missed the last four matches but is back in the squad as Real take on Osasuna on Sunday. Bale has made two appearances so far this year; against Getafe on January 4 and then against Unionistas de Salamanca in the Copa del Rey, where he suffered an ankle sprain.
While he was declared fit soon after, Zidane did not select him. However, the manager said he has no issues with Bale.
"Gareth is here and I am happy with all the players I have," Zidane said. "I know the answer you're looking for but I have 25 players and I have to choose. There are no issues or problems. I am sure Gareth is going to keep working as he has been."
Zidane said leaving Bale out of the squad did not amount to lack of respect. "I don't think so, the most important thing is he is here, working hard and he wants to train. There are times when he isn't named in the squad but I wouldn't read too much into it. Everyone has a role and Gareth is a player I will need between now and the end of the season."
It has been another tough season for Bale after coming close to leaving Madrid last summer. He was ruled out for four weeks in October due to a calf injury. A thigh strain forced him to sit out for a week in December before a throat infection meant he missed Madrid's win in the Super Cup in Saudi Arabia.
When asked if he would have a problem with Bale seeing out his contract, which expires in 2022, Zidane said: "None whatsoever," he said. "He has a contract and he wants to stay here."
Real Madrid sit at the top of La Liga, three points ahead of Barcelona who play Real Betis on Sunday.
