Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale is expected to return to action prior to Wales's World Cup 2018 qualifier against Republic of Ireland at the end of March, according to a report.
The 27-year-old underwent an operation in London earlier this week on an ankle injury sustained in the Champions League tie with Sporting Lisbon, which Spanish publication AS claimed would keep him out for around four months.
That initial estimation appears to be wide of the mark, however, with Wales Online now suggesting that Bale will be available for selection prior to the Dragons' trip to Dublin - a crucial Group D clash which Chris Coleman's men cannot afford to lose.
A mid-February return is said to be the most likely outcome, meaning that the £85m ace will be back well before Madrid's end-of-season run-in, with Los Blancos still on course for success on four fronts this term - La Liga, Champions League, Copa del Rey and the Club World Cup.
Daniel Lewis
