Gareth Bale returns to training with Real Madrid

Bale has not played since November because of ankle surgery, but Real Madrid tweeted a photograph of the 27-year-old training at their headquarters on Sunday.

News of Bale's imminent return will please Wales boss Chris Coleman ahead of next month's vital World Cup qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin.

Wales are third in Qualifying Group D, four points behind the Irish, who lead the group with three wins and a draw from their four games so far.

Real manager Zinedine Zidane said on Friday that he hoped Bale would be back in action for Madrid by the time of their Champions League last-16 second leg against Napoli on March 7.

Without Bale Madrid have maintained their position at the top of the LaLiga table, despite intense pressure from Barcelona.

Saturday's 3-1 win at Osasuna means Real are a point clear of their rivals with two games in hand.