Bale addresses claims he's lost muscle after 'skinny physique' pictures emerge

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale has laughed off suggestions he has lost muscle mass after a picture emerged appearing to show him looking far leaner than usual.

Bale, 32, has only made a handful of La Liga appearances in what is proving to be another injury-struck season for Los Blancos.

The Wales talisman started the first three games of Carlo Ancelotti 's second reign at the Santiago Bernabeu, scoring once, but he has been missing since late August with knee, calf and back injuries compounded by a bout of coronavirus.

Bale is closing in on a long-awaited return to action and was an unused substitute during the 2-2 draw with Elche in late January.

While little is known about his physical condition, the former Tottenham star seemed to be far leaner than usual in training pictures released last week.

One snap showed Bale jogging at Real Madrid's training ground and his legs appeared far less muscular than they did during last summer's pre-season.

The picture was widely shared on social media and news clearly got back to the player, who took to Instagram to allay fears he has not been training with enough rigour.

Bale posted another photo from the training session showing his legs looking typically toned and added a crying-laughing emoji to hammer home his point.

He may have the chance to prove his fitness to his critics on Thursday night as Los Blancos take on Athletic Bilbao in the Copa del Rey quarter-finals.

Ancelotti confirmed Bale could feature in the fixture alongside Eden Hazard and Marco Asensio, who have been short of fitness, as well as Brazilian duo Rodrygo and Vinicius Junior, who have just returned from World Cup qualifiers.

"It's possible they will be starters, Asensio also, who has recovered well," Ancelotti said. "Vinicius and Rodrygo return but they are 20 and not 60 like me. They can recover."

Athletic eliminated Copa del Rey holders Barcelona in the previous round while Real Madrid overcame Elche on extra time after a feisty encounter which saw two red cards brandished.

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Los Blancos host Granada in La Liga on Sunday and Ancelotti knows anything but three points will serve as a major blow to his side's chances of wrestling the title back from local rivals Atletico.

Sevilla are just four points behind the leaders and they were buoyed in the January transfer window by securing the services of Manchester United forward Anthony Martial on loan.

On the continental stage, Real Madrid have been drawn against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League last 16 and the first leg is scheduled for mid-February.