Real Madrid ace Gareth Bale claims rumors over his fitness were blown out of proportion after he made a successful return to action in Saturday's win over Malaga.
Reports last week suggested Bale faced a lengthy spell on the sidelines as he was suffering from a slipped disc in his back with Real Madrid moving quickly to reject the speculation.
Bale came off the bench to win a penalty in Real's 2-0 victory over Malaga and the world's most expensive player insists the injury rumors were exaggerated and that he is now back to fitness.
"It was just a little thigh strain that was blown massively out of proportion," Bale Real Madrid TV. "It is just a minor injury and I'm back now.
"I've not had a lot of game time, pre-season, training or running so you pick up little niggles.
"I have to take one step at a time. I've not had much training or games. It's all about building me up now."
Bale, who has been restricted to just four appearances for Real since his record breaking move from Tottenham, is now hoping to establish himself in the starting XI ahead of two vital games against Juventus in the UEFA Champions League in midweek and next weekend's El Clasico against Barcelona.
"I need to introduce myself now and prepare myself right for the rest of the season," added Bale.
"It was massively important to get a win today. We played well throughout whole game and we're now looking forward to next two games."
