Bale returns to Real Madrid's starting XI for El Clasico

Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale overcame a troubling ankle injury Sunday to earn an important start against Barcelona at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Meanwhile, Paco Alcacer replaced the suspended Neymar on the visitor's team sheet.

Here is how the two Spanish rivals line up:

Real Madrid starting XI: Navas; Carvajal, Ramos, Nacho, Marcelo; Kroos, Casemiro, Modric; Bale, Benzema, Ronaldo

Barcelona starting XI: Ter Stegen; Roberto, Pique, Umtiti, Alba; Rakitic, Busquets, Iniesta; Messi, Suarez, Alcacer

Bale missed Madrid's past two matches with inflammation, and although manager Zinedine Zidane was unsure whether the Welshman would participate Sunday, he ultimately included the player in his 20-man squad.

Bale's return forced opportunity-starved midfielder Isco to take a place on the bench once again. Isco had done admirably in his teammate's absence, scoring twice in a 3-2 comeback win over Sporting Gijon on April 15, but he was ultimately sacrificed to reunite the famous BBC strike force.

Barcelona boss Luis Enrique, however, lost a vital part of his team's attack, as the Spanish football federation upheld Neymar's three-match suspension. Alcacer, making only his fifth start in La Liga this season, was selected to complement Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

If Madrid can celebrate victory over Barcelona, the capital club would inch closer to a first La Liga title since 2012. Madrid currently has a three-point advantage atop the standings and a game in hand.