Gareth Bale has given Wales a huge boost by finally returning to training for Real Madrid after his ankle injury.

The 27-year-old has been sidelined since suffering the injury in Madrid’s Champions League win over Sporting Lisbon on November 22.

But he posted a picture of his return to training as he looks to recover fitness for Wales’ vital World Cup qualifier against the republic of Ireland in March.

Bale said: ”First day back on the training pitch with the boys! Can’t wait to be back in action now.”

He has been earmarked for a return to action in the Champions League match against Serie A outfit Napoli on March 7 – 17 days before the crunch game in Dublin.

“I hope to have him back with us before the second leg against Napoli,” said Madrid boss Zinedine Zidane.

“He’s fine and he needs to get back training with the team, which is absolutely crucial. He’s working well and I can see he looks motivated.”

Madrid are then due to face Real Betis and Athletic Bilbao giving Bale, in theory, three games before the trip to Dublin to face group leaders Ireland.