Bale likely to play for Real Madrid after long injury lay-off

Soccer Football - Atletico Madrid v Real Madrid - La Liga - Vicente Calderon, Madrid, Spain - 19/11/16 Real Madrid's Gareth Bale in action with Atletico Madrid's Juanfran Reuters / Sergio Perez Livepic

MADRID (Reuters) - Gareth Bale is expected to play for the first time since November when Real Madrid host Espanyol on Saturday in La Liga, coach Zinedine Zidane said on Friday.

The Welsh forward will fortify Real's attack as they try to go four points clear of Barcelona at the top of the standings. Real have two games in hand.