Zinedine Zidane has said Gareth Bale is now part of his plans having seen the Welshman return to action for Real Madrid against Roma on Sunday night.
The 30-year-old was on the brink of a £1m-a-week move to Chinese Super League outfit Jiangsu Suning earlier this summer, but the switch collapsed at the final hurdle.
Having failed to move to China, Bale pulled out of Los Galacticos' squad for their recent pre-season trip to Munich.
But he was listed among the substitutes for Real Madrid's final pre-season fixture against Roma last night and played the final 30 minutes of the game as Zidane's side were beaten on penalties after a 2-2 draw in regular time.
And Zidane has now stated he is counting on Bale - along with James Rodriguez - although he concedes the Wales international could still leave the Spanish capital this month.
"They're part of the squad and we're counting on them," said the Frenchman.
"Anything can happen, but they play for this team and I have to be able to pick from all the players who are here.
"James hasn't been involved in the last few games but that can change.
"Anything can happen at any team before the end of the window."
