Bale back in Real Madrid squad to face Roma as James misses out

Gareth Bale made the trip to Rome as he prepared to play for Real Madrid for the first time since a move to China fell through.

Published : Aug 11, 2019 15:13 IST

Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale's last appearance for his side came as a substitute in the second half of a 7-3 defeat to rival Atletico Madrid in the International Champions Cup.
Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale's last appearance for his side came as a substitute in the second half of a 7-3 defeat to rival Atletico Madrid in the International Champions Cup.
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Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale's last appearance for his side came as a substitute in the second half of a 7-3 defeat to rival Atletico Madrid in the International Champions Cup.

Zinedine Zidane named Gareth Bale in his squad for the first time in four matches, but there was still no place for James Rodriguez as Real Madrid flew to Italy ahead of its clash with Roma.

Bale's last appearance for Madrid came as a substitute in the second half of a 7-3 defeat to rival Atletico Madrid in the International Champions Cup on July 27, shortly before a proposed transfer away from the Spanish club fell through.

The Wales international had been expected to join Chinese Super League side Jiangsu Suning but the deal collapsed, with reports suggesting Madrid was unhappy with the transfer fee being offered.

There was also speculation that Bale rejected the move over family reasons.

READ: Tottenham 3-1 Aston Villa: Ndombele's debut stunner sets up Kane late show

Bale did not feature in friendlies against Tottenham, Fenerbahce and Salzburg, but was named in the squad to face Roma along with fellow forwards Eden Hazard, Karim Benzema, Luka Jovic and Vinicius Junior.

The absence of James from the Madrid squad means the Colombia international's future remains unclear, with Napoli and Atletico Madrid both reportedly interested in signing him.

James has not featured for Madrid this pre-season following his return from a two-year loan spell at Bayern Munich.

Meanwhile, a hamstring injury keeps close-season signing Ferland Mendy on the sidelines as Madrid plays its last pre-season fixture before Saturday's LaLiga opener at Celta Vigo.

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