Zidane once again defends Bale

Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane has defended Welsh forward Gareth Bale in his press conference ahead of Wednesday night's vital Champions League tie at home to Galatasaray.

Real Madrid need to win at home to assure their place in the last 16 of the Champions League, but most of the questions were about Bale who has been included in the Wales squad for the forthcoming international games despite not playing for Madrid since picking up a calf injury.

"We want him to be fit but the problem is he isn't ready to train normally yet. So his country selected him, that's their right. It's on the FIFA calendar and we can't get involved," said Zidane, who insisted Bale was working to get back to full fitness.

"The player wants to be fit. No one can doubt that. He's the first one this situation is hurting. Let's see what happens this week and then we'll talk about Wales. At the moment, he isn't ready yet," he added.

Zidane also said that he had "no doubts," Bale "wants to play for Real Madrid," despite rumors in the Spanish press linking him with a move from the club in January.

"He wants to be with us. If he isn't ready, he isn't going to play over there (in Wales) either. He still hasn't fully recovered but he wants to be with his teammates and play," commented the Real Madrid coach who added it was "ridiculous" to suggest he wanted Bale to "to leave in January."

"People need to stop saying the same things about him leaving before the end of the season. We're all focused on the team," concluded Zidane.