Real Madrid coach Zinedine Zidane believes he has no need to rush Gareth Bale back from a long-term ankle injury as the European champions extended their lead at the top of La Liga on Sunday.

Madrid achieved 3-0 win Real Sociedad thanks to goals from Mateo Kovacic, Cristiano Ronaldo and Alvaro Morata.

Bale has been out since suffering ankle ligament damage in November and is not expected to return before March. However, Zidane is hopeful of having Luka Modric and James Rodriguez back for Real’s next match at Celta Vigo on the weekend.

“Our idea to is to have Luka back next week. We will see (how he is) on Tuesday and the same goes for James,” said Zidane. “Gareth will take a while longer. He is now on the training pitch in boots which is a good sign, but we have to take it slowly.”