Madrid, Aug 28 (IANS): Star Welsh footballer Gareth Bale has returned to the Real Madrid training sessions in Valdebebas sports city, after recovering from a bruised left foot, and will be ready to start in next Saturday's La Liga tie against Real Betis.

Bale was injured in the La Liga first round against Sporting Gijon, but medical tests confirmed that the bone was unharmed, so the winger was able to resume training with his teammates just a few days later, Efe reported on Thursday.

Following a warm-up, Real footballers worked on possession and tactical drills, while coach Rafael Benitez tested alternates to keep in mind for the second Liga game.

In principle, Benitez seems to have decided on putting Colombian midfielder James Rodriguez back on the starting lineup, though he needs to consider how much time to give to Frenchman Karim Benzema, who recently recovered from a thigh muscle injury.

Benzema did not train with the rest of his teammates, but completed a specialized recovery program that should allow him to make an appearance in Saturday's match.