Gareth Bale makes his first start for Real Madrid since August against Villareal

Gareth Bale is set to make his first start for Real Madrid since August as Carlo Ancelotti's side face Villareal in LaLiga on Saturday.

The 32-year-old has been plagued with injuries this season and has made just three appearances for the Spanish side, with his last outing coming in a 1-0 win over Real Betis on August 28.

But the Welshman is set to make his return to the side after being named in Los Blancos' starting line up for the trip to Villareal.

Bale made his debut for Madrid at La Ceramica and bagged his first goal for his new side.

Ancelotti has made four changes from the side that beat Granada 1-0 last Sunday with Casemiro, Federico Valverde, Bale and Vini Jr coming into the starting XI.

Madrid remain without Karim Benzema after the striker suffered a muscular injury before the international break, while Ferland Mendy is also yet to return.

Ancelotti could have made the changes with his attention wandering to the Champions League rather than focusing on the Spanish top-flight.

Madrid need a win to keep Sevilla at bay after the Andalucians secured a 2-0 win over Elche to move within three points of the top of LaLiga.

However, Madrid's focus will not be entirely on Saturday's clash as they will be keeping one eye on their Champions League trip to the Parc de Princes on Tuesday to battle PSG in the first leg of their last-16 tie.