Real Madrid boss Julen Lopetegui is set to call upon Gareth Bale to arrest the club’s recent slump.

Welshman Bale, 29, returned to training on Thursday and was also present during Friday’s session at Valdebebas as Los Blancos gear up for Saturday’s trip to Alaves (8.30pm kick-off UAE time).

Bale, who was substituted at half-time during the Madrid Derby draw against Atletico Madrid with a minor adductor injury and missed Tuesday’s Champions League defeat at the hands of CSKA Moscow, is likely to be among the first XI.

Including last week’s 3-0 defeat to Sevilla, the Whites have now failed to scored in each of their last three matches for the first time since the 2006-07 campaign.

News of fit-again Bale’s return is a welcome boost as Real continue to jostle for position with Barcelona at the top of La Liga table.