But even though this season has been Bale's best at Madrid, with 19 goals in 29 games and some impressive performances for Los Blancos, the notion that he can play as many matches as Cristiano seems somehwat far-fetched.
In total, Real have played 49 games so far in 2015-16 and the Welshman has missed 20 of those - a total of just over 40 per cent. And despite problems with the medical department this term at the Santiago Bernabeu, that is not enough for the world's most expensive footballer.
This latest knee injury is not serious and Bale should be back in time for Madrid's trip to Deportivo La Coruna on the last weekend of the season. However, by that time, the club's chances of winning the title could be gone. Because the game at home to Valencia on Sunday is a tough test - a fixture that has ended Los Blancos' hopes of claiming La Liga in each of the last two seasons.
FULL STORY | Bale helps Madrid to Champions League final
And it is not only Bale. In-form goalkeeper Keylor Navas also misses out on Sunday with tendonitis, which will mean a rare start for Kiko Casilla in goal in this one.
Casemiro is available again, but Dani Carvajal is doubtful after training alone on Friday, while Benzema did ball work with his team-mates and could be back, although the France forward was seen limping at the Bernabeu on Wednesday night as Madrid secured their passage to the Champions League final.
Whether Zidane will want to risk the fragile Benzema versus Valencia remains to be seen, while Ronaldo's fitness is also in question after the Portuguese returned for the game against City on Wednesday night.
After their 1-0 defeat at home to Atletico in late February, Cristiano complained that with Bale and Benzema out so often, it is very difficult to compete for the major trophies.
Back then, Madrid were off the pace in La Liga and did not look like making a credible challenge for the Champions League either, but a run of 10 straight wins in the Primera Division has seen Zidane's side return to the race, while they have also made it into the final of Europe's premier club competition.
Part of that has been thanks to the three forwards staying fit and performing when it matters most, but as the season approaches its finale, Zidane now needs to juggle his squad to compensate for their absence, while making sure all are available against Atleti on May 28. The hard work starts on Sunday.
.... - Goal