Real Madrid's Gareth Bale to recover from calf injury and start against Juventus in Champions League final

Real Madrid star Gareth Bale is expected to be fit in time for the Champions League final against Juventus on 3 June.

The Wales international picked up a calf injury in his side's Champions League quarter-final victory over Bayern Munich on 12 April. He returned to action for the El Clasico defeat at the hands of Barcelona later that month and lasted for 38 minutes before being forced off the pitch.

Bale suffered a "grade 2 injury in his left calf" and has been sidelined since then. He is unlikely to feature in Real's last two league matches as they chase for the title since he has not returned to training yet.

According to the Mirror, Real expect Bale to make himself available for selection for the final of the biggest club competition in Cardiff next month. The 11-time European champions are working with the former Tottenham Hotspur star on the basis that he will start against the Old Lady in his homeland.

The 27-year-old has struggled with injuries this season limiting his first team appearances. He has started in 17 La Liga matches, while managing nine goals and three assists across all competitions.

It is believed that Bale is eating six times a day as part of his employer's injury recovery programme. Most players find this regime very difficult to follow, but the Welshman has adapted very well as he targets to start the Champions League final in Cardiff.

Real's medical team remains confident that Bale will not only be fit in time to face Juventus, but will also start against the Serie A outfit. The Spanish capital club manager Zinedine Zidane remains hopeful his star forward would be ready for the final after admitting that his side play better football when Bale in on the pitch.

"He's recovering and there's time for him to be ready for the final. I hope he's ready before and I hope he can be with us more than anything. We're a better team when he plays," Zidane explained.