Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale got on the scoresheet early in the season – and early in the match – against Levante. But he has not played since the last fixture of August in LaLiga against Real Betis, which was a narrow 1-0 victory for Los Blancos.
Bale struggled in that match without a strong midfield, as the service to him was not consistent. His performance against Levante, in addition to his quality preseason displays, were encouraging signs that with Toni Kroos back at full strength, Bale could pick up where he left off at Tottenham as a semi-effective scorer.
Unfortunately, Bale suffered an injury before the return to the Santiago Bernabeu against Celta Vigo. Real Madrid have managed without him, as we have seen Eden Hazard in a “free role” and opportunities for Rodrygo Goes. Even Fede Valverde has split out wide. But none of them, to be honest, have shown the quality in front of goal of Bale. So he has been missed.
According to a report from MARCA’s Juan Ignacio Garcia-Ochoa, Gareth Bale has targeted Nov. 13 as his return date from this hamstring injury. It would be huge for both Wales and Real Madrid to have Bale back this soon.
Gareth Bale could return in November
Wales need Bale against Belarus in the World Cup qualifying, and Real need him thereafter as another option to the front line. Marco Asensio is their only other trusted left-footed attacker, and, well, he is not easy to trust himself, in spite of one dream day against his old club Mallorca.
Bale’s November return could come before the 13th, as MARCA says he could face Shakhtar Donetsk in the second head-to-head group stage match at the Bernabeu and then local rivals Rayo Vallecano in a best-case situation for Los Blancos.
But it is honestly more likely for Bale to return to Real after the November international break, where he will captain Wales. After the break, Los Merengues go up against Granada in LaLiga and Sheriff in the Champions League. Then a scary run of matches against Sevilla, Real Sociedad, Inter, and Atletico Madrid await, all in a row.
Bale could be needed at that time in late November and early December, and so it would behoove Real Madrid to be as safe as is feasible with the right winger, keeping in mind his determination to play for his country.