Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane hopes to have Gareth Bale available by early March following an injury suffered last November.

The Wales international had surgery to repair the ankle tendon damage he suffered during a Champions League match against Sporting Lisbon.

Speaking on Friday, Zidane did not give an exact date as to when Bale might return, but is keeping his fingers crossed the 27-year-old will be available in time for the second leg of their Champions League last-16 tie with Napoli on March 7.

The Frenchman told a press conference ahead of Real Madrid's trip to Osasuna: "I hope that Bale is back with us before the return leg against Napoli. He still has to return to team training, which is the most important thing.

"He's fine. He's working very well and looks determined."