Wales handed huge boost for crunch World Cup qualifier against Ireland

Wales' biggest star is looking increasingly likely to be back in time for the Ireland clash next month.

Gareth Bale has been out of action since suffering “traumatic dislocation of the peroneal tendons” in his ankle during his side’s 2-1 win over Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League. Initially it was thought that the Welsh talisman would be on the sidelines for three to four months with the injury, meaning he would be facing a fitness test to get ready for his country's 2018 Fifa World Cup Qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in the Aviva Stadium on March 24. Following a successful surgery, Spanish reports began circulating which estimated he would not be back to full fitness until April, meaning he would definitely miss the international tie. However, Zinedine Zidane's press conference on Friday indicate that Bale is on the mend quicker than expected, and he's hopeful that the Welshman will enter back into the Real Madrid squad for their round of 16 Champions League encounter on March 7.

"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."

All going well, Bale should be more than ready for the trip to Dublin.