World-record signing Gareth Bale will make his debut for Real Madrid against Villarreal on Saturday, coach Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed.
The 24-year-old joined Real from Tottenham for £85.3m on 1 September but has not played a full match yet this season because of a foot injury.
He managed 32 minutes in Wales’ 3-0 defeat by Serbia on Tuesday.
“Bale will travel and will play. I’m not sure if he will start or come off from the bench,” said Ancelotti.
The Italian also confirmed in a media conference on Friday that he plans to play Bale as a right-sided attacker.
“Bale came here without having a normal pre-season, but his condition is not bad,” added the ex-Chelsea manager. “He has no injuries, he is excited and very motivated.
“He’s arrived full of enthusiasm and he is very happy to be at the team he wanted to join. He is a humble player who likes to be with his team-mates. He fits in well with the squad.”
On Thursday, Bale said he hoped to be fit enough to start at Villarreal as visitors Real look to stretch their 100% winning start in La Liga to a fourth match.
“Obviously [after signing] I went straight away on international duty, which probably wasn’t the best, but I’ve been back in the last two days now,” he added.
“The boys have been very nice to me and made me settle quickly and it’s just an honour to be here.
“I feel good. I’ve been training with Wales. I’ve had two good sessions [at Madrid on Wednesday].
“I’m a bit behind everybody else physically but hopefully I can catch up as soon as possible.”
Bale’s price tag meant he overtook new team-mate Cristiano Ronaldo as the world’s most expensive footballer. The Portuguese joined Real for £80m from Manchester United in 2009.
Of meeting Ronaldo, Bale said: “It was amazing. He’s a nice guy, he made me feel welcome just like everybody else did.
“I’m just looking forward to getting on the pitch and doing well.”
Real, who have won their first three league matches, visit Turkish side Galatasaray in the Champions League on Tuesday.
BBC SPORT
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