Welshman Gareth Bale is in line for a Real Madrid debut against Villareal on Saturday after his world-record move to the Spanish capital on September 1.
The former Tottenham Hotspur winger joined coach Carlo Ancelotti’s side for a reported £85.3m, overtaking new teammate Cristiano Ronaldo as the world’s most expensive footballer.
Manager, Ancelotti, confirmed on Friday that his 24-year-old new signing will play some part, come Saturday, but refused to state whether or not the Wales international will start at El Madrigal.
“Bale will travel to Villareal and will play, said Ancelotti.
“I’m not sure if he will start or come off from the bench
On his arrival for his first training session with the Los Blancos on Thursday, Bale admitted he is a little bit off the peak in terms of his fitness level, agreeing he has a lot work to do to catch up with the other Madristas.
He has not played a full match this season but managed 32 minutes in Wales’ 3-0 defeat by Serbia on Tuesday.
“Bale came here without having a normal pre-season, but his condition is not bad,” Ancelotti added.
“He has no injuries, he is excited and very motivated. He’s arrived full of enthusiasm and he is very happy to be as the team he wanted to join.
He is a humble player who likes to be with his teammates. He fits in well with the squad.”
The Italian also confirmed there at the media conference that he plans to play Bale as a right-sided attacker.
When asked about where he would play, he replied: “On the right hand side of attack.”
Ancelotti said Spurs could have received more than the £85.3m the Spanish club paid for Bale but it was all down to the players’ decision in the end.
“We have paid what the market dictated,” said the Italian. “I’m sure that there were teams that would have paid more money to Tottenham than us, but the player decided he wanted to come here.”
