Gareth Bale was nowhere to be seen for LAFC as they beat Los Angeles Galaxy in the MLS play-offs, but his return to the side has been teased by head coach Steve Cherundolo.
Bale has not featured anywhere near as much as he or LAFC were hoping for when he arrived from Real Madrid this season, but he may be in line to return at the perfect time. With the World Cup less than a month away, and LAFC's Western Conference final with Austin FC on Sunday, Bale is certainly cutting it fine.
But Cherundolo has now confirmed there is 'no more injury' to his Welsh superstar. And they will be doing everything they can to get their designated player in shape for Sunday's clash.
Cherundolo was asked about Bale's fitness after LAFC scraped past LA Galaxy 3-2, and stated: "No more injury to report. He should be back in training very soon, in the next couple of days. In the next round, we should have a full roster."
Thankfully for LAFC, they didn't need Bale in the last round as Denis Bouanga and Cristian Arango provided the goals in a 3-2 win, but the Welshman could be the difference as they push for their first ever MLS Cup. LAFC have been close before, as they've now won the Supporters Shield twice in their short history.
They've been the form team in the division since their first MLS match in 2018, but play-offs have never been kind to them, and they're still chasing MLS Cup success. But they are now just two wins away from breaking their duck, and Bale could be back at the perfect time.
However, it's not just a huge boost for LAFC as it'll come as welcome news to Bale and the Welsh national team, as the former Madrid star has not had much game time in the build-up to the winter World Cup in Qatar. It's the first time Wales have qualified for the competition since 1958, and Bale will want to be in peak condition to face Iran, USA and England in Group B.
Bale has only managed two MLS goals this season, and has seen his game time limited despite making 11 appearances. LAFC have been just fine without him, but at this stage of the competition they need winners.
And Bale has been a winner plenty of times, winning 16 trophies in his career for Madrid, and already claiming one at LAFC after scooping up the Supporters Shield. Although Bale is certainly adjusting to life in Los Angeles though, his passion remains with Wales.
Seeing as it's their first World Cup for 64 years, it's a massive deal for Bale and his nation, and just like with their exceptional run at Euro 2016, he will need to be in top form if they are to progress. Bale will of course be wary of picking up any sort of injury this close to the competition, but every minute could be valuable with the World Cup just weeks away.
Bale will certainly not want to risk what would be the most crushing injury at this stage, but heading into Qatar as a winner, even as a hero could be the perfect motivation. There is still time for Bale to work on his fitness behind the scenes, but Sunday's clash is the biggest in LAFC's club history.
