Bale set for special milestone as he's recalled to Wales squad after injury lay-off

Boss Robert Page said the Real Madrid forward was 'raring to go' ahead of his 100th cap having been named in their World Cup qualifying squad to face Belarus and Belgium.

Bale has not played for the Dragons since September 8 after suffering what was described by Page as a 'significant hamstring tear'.

But Real manager Carlo Ancelotti says Bale could be involved in Saturday's LaLiga clash with Rayo Vallecano and Page has named his 32-year-old captain in a 28-man squad for Wales' vital double-header this month.

Bale would become only the second Welshman to reach the 100-cap milestone after team-mate Chris Gunter, who achieved the feat in March.

"Gareth is in a good place. He's exactly where we and the medical team thought he should be," Page said.

"I spoke to him on Saturday and he's raring to go. He's back on the grass and doing absolutely everything possible to get himself 100 per cent fit.

"He's not in full-time training yet, but we've got another week and where we want him to be."

Bale was on the scoresheet against Levante before scoring a hat-trick in Wales' 3-2 World Cup qualifying victory against Belarus.

But his last game was Wales' goalless draw with Estonia nearly two months ago and Real have been careful managing his recovery.

Page said: "If we have to adhere to a plan they want to put in place we'd be prepared to do it because we want Gareth as part of the squad.

"He's got a good relationship with the manager and medical team there, and so have we. Conversations are to be had and it's about trusting each other."

Asked if Real would prevent Bale from joining the Wales squad, Page said: "If he declares himself fit I can't see why they wouldn't. They've been very supportive.

"If there are any issues I think it will come from maybe Gareth pushing himself too hard and having a slight knock back.

"But he's far too experienced to do something like that. I don't think Gareth not playing will have an impact on my team selection for the Belarus game.

"He's a fit lad who doesn't half look after himself really well. I know it's not the same as playing games, but when you've got someone like Gareth Bale coming back into the squad he'll be considered to start games."

Wales probably need four points from their final two qualifiers to finish second in Group E and secure a World Cup play-off place.