Carlo Ancelotti refuses to rule out Gareth Bale start against PSG

Real Madrid boss Carlo Ancelotti has refused to rule out the prospect of Gareth Bale starting against Paris Saint-Germain in the Champions League.

The former Tottenham Hotspur man was named in the first XI for Los Blancos' La Liga clash with Villarreal but could not bag a contribution in a 0-0 draw with Unai Emery's men.

Bale earned plaudits for his display in the absence of Karim Benzema, though, and Ancelotti has echoed the praise for the 32-year-old while also leaving the door open for a start on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters during his post-match press conference, the Real Madrid boss said: "I don't know [if Bale will start against PSG].

"We'll have to wait and see what happens in the next few days. Hopefully we can get everyone back. He's had the chance [to play] and he's delivered, he could have scored, he's been dangerous... Everything we asked of him."

Bale's start against Villarreal was his first since August 28, with the Wales international only making three appearances in the 2021-22 season and bagging a solitary goal against Levante.

The attacker is expected to head elsewhere when his Bernabeu deal expires in the summer, though, and reports have claimed that he has already agreed a return to Tottenham.