Zinedine Zidane says Gareth Bale is "desperate" to play in a Champions League homecoming against Juventus as debate rages over Real Madrid's starting XI for Saturday's showdown.

Bale has not played since suffering the latest in a series of calf injuries against Barcelona on April 23, but has returned to training ahead of the clash in his hometown of Cardiff.

The pressure is on Real boss Zidane to choose between Madrid's record signing or stickwith in-form Isco, who has scored five goals and notched three assists in his last eight games.

Spanish commentators have talked up Isco's worth ahead of the final, while opposition manager Max Allegri has wadedin, declaring the Spaniard"much more technical" than the Wales international.

Isco has thrived in Bale's injury-enforced absenceBut Zidane insisted he would not be swayed by popular opinion, telling reporters at his pre-match news conference:"It's normal that there's this debate. 

They're both very important players and everyone can give their opinion but it's not going to influence me."The most important thing is that everyone is available and prepared for the game.