Real Madrid vs Athletic Bilbao - Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane not rushing Gareth Bale return

Posted Friday, February 12, 2016 by PA

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane insists Gareth Bale is making progress in his recovery from a calf injury but admitted the Welshman will be sidelined for longer than originally hoped.

It was reported on Thursday that Bale had suffered a setback and would not be available until the end of the month.

The 26-year-old, who had been in excellent form, suffered his third calf problem of the season against Sporting Gijon last month.

It had initially been hoped he would be back for next week's Champions League clash with Roma but that now appears impossible.

Zidane told his pre-match press conference: "We will not worry more than necessary.

"Every day is better. It is an issue that takes a little longer for him. We want Bale at 100 per cent. He is a very important player for us and we will not risk anything."

Aside from Bale, Pepe and Marcelo will also miss Saturday's Primera Division clash with Athletic Bilbao at the Bernabeu, where Real will attempt to close the four-point gap to leaders Barcelona.

Pepe is out with a foot problem while fellow defender Marcelo is recovering from a dislocated shoulder but could be fit to face Roma.

Zidane added: "He's ruled out of the Athletic game but then we'll see how he progresses. He's already better and today he's had a little run. That's good for us."

Saturday's clash is Zidane's fifth in charge of Real since he replaced Rafael Benitez, of which he has presided over four wins and one draw.

Three of those victories have come at the Bernabeu and have seen Real win 5-0, 5-1 and 6-0, and Zidane is hoping to give his side's supporters something else to cheer on Saturday.

The Frenchman said: "The fans are very important for the players and what we want to do is always make those people who come to see Real Madrid happy.

"It's going to be my sixth game and what we have to do is continue with this dynamic and try to win as many games as possible."

Regarding Saturday's opponents, Zidane said: "Athletic are a very good and a very strong team."

Sixth-placed Bilbao, who are missing the suspended Inaki Williams and Mikel San Jose, have not won at the Bernabeu for 11 years.

And coach Ernesto Valverde is wary of taking any encouragement from Cristiano Ronaldo being slightly below par in recent weeks.

Quoted in Marca, Valverde said: "Best not to say too much for risk of annoying him. Cristiano can score three or four goals each game.

"It's perfectly normal for anyone to have ups and downs during a season. But in the effectiveness stakes, I don't see him wavering at all. When you are up against him he looks dangerous any time he gets the ball."