Wales boss Robert Page insists Gareth Bale will prove his fitness for the World Cup qualifiers whether or not he plays for Real Madrid.

Ale has only made three appearances for Real this quarter, his last appearance on August 28, since returning from last season’s loan to Tottenham.

The 32-year-old forward, who is in the final year of his contract with Real, has actually played more for Wales this season, with his last four international appearances.

Bale suffered a hamstring injury in September, then complained in his calf after winning his 100th selection in Wales against Belarus last month, but he resumed full training ahead of the Madrid derby with Atletico Sunday.

Page, who is already planning the playoffs in March, said: “We have never had the luxury of guaranteeing Gareth time on the pitch at club level.

“For me, it’s not vitally important that he plays at club level.

“It helps, of course it helps. You want the players to play their national football when they get to the camp.

“But we’ve had this situation in the past with him and yet he came in, had a fantastic performance and we won games.”

Page’s comments on Bale are at odds with remarks he made after Wales secured the home advantage in the play-offs by drawing a draw with Belgium last month.

On the occasion, he suggested that Aaron Ramsey, Neco Williams and Joe Rodon needed playing time in club football and said he would “encourage them to go and play at their parent club or elsewhere” before the window. January transfer date.

But of his skipper Bale, Page added: “World-class players set high standards for themselves and make sure they’re ready no matter what.

“So, I’m not too worried. Gareth is a fit boy and is taking care of himself extremely well.

“He will be ready to go in March. I know it, 100 percent.

Wales will discover next year’s Nations League opponents on Thursday.

World champion England, France and European Championship winner Italy are all potential League A opponents after Wales are promoted in 2020 to the Premier League.

But Page says it’s the World Cup that’s the focus with Wales two games away from what would only be their second final, and theirs since 1958.

Wales will be at home against Austria in the play-offs on March 24, with the winners welcoming Scotland or Ukraine for a place in Qatar five days later.

“The players are all very positive about the draw and now we have both home games which is great,” said Page.

“The work and the analysis have started. We’re going to go over all the planning and details for these matches. “