Zidane seeks to restore Madrid's pride with new squad from next season

Madrid: Zinedine Zidane has promised change at Real Madrid this summer and the last 11 games of the season will give an indication as to who will be part of his new era. Zidane's first match since being reappointed as coach comes against Celta Vigo on Saturday, with Madrid lying in no-man's land in La Liga, 12 points behind Barcelona in first and 10 ahead of Alaves in fifth.

Atletico are away to Athletic Bilbao while Barcelona travel to Real Betis on Sunday. But several Madrid players are playing for their futures before the campaign ends and Zidane's selection will offer early clues as to his thinking about his squad. Here, AFP Sport looks at five areas of contention ahead of the game at the Santiago Bernabeu this weekend:

Bale clean slate?
Gareth Bale was the player many hoped would step up after the departure of Cristiano Ronaldo to Juventus but injuries have again disrupted his rhythm and, when fit, he has only delivered in flashes. Zidane lost patience with Bale last year, believing the Welshman to be a liability defensively and unreliable with his fitness. The pair were barely speaking at times and while Zidane's departure opened the door for Bale to stay, his return may now prompt his exit.

Navas or Courtois? Keylor Navas was a favourite of Zidane, who repeatedly persuaded the club against signing a new goalkeeper, such was his faith in the Costa Rican. After Zidane left, Madrid bought Thibaut Courtois and while Julen Lopetegui used both players, Santiago Solari put his faith in Courtois and left Navas out in the cold.

Restoring Navas would be a bold move, particularly given Courtois cost the club around 40 million euros last summer. But the Belgian's form has not been particularly convincing and Navas remains a popular figure in the dressing room.