Real Madrid forward Gareth Bale has claimed that he is ready to play against arch rivals Barcelona in Saturday's El Clasico at the Bernabeu.

The 26-year-old suffered a recurrence of a calf injury in October and missed four matches before returning for the defeat by Sevilla on November 8.

Bale told BBC Sport: "I've been out with injury for six weeks so I haven't had a chance to play much this season, but I'm feeling strong and fit for this game.

"We've been in good form so far this season, we've only lost one game and I still think there is some room for improvement. We could still be better, play better, and I'm hoping that, as the season goes on, our form continues to improve and that leads us to winning La Liga."

Real go into the game three points behind leaders Barca.