Lucas Perez showing that Arsenal never needed Jamie Vardy

The Wales international suffered tendon damage during Madrid’s 2-1 Champions League win over Sporting CP in November, a problem which required surgery and has led to a lengthy spell on the sidelines.

The 27-year-old is reported to be on course for a return to action in March and he tweeted a photograph of himself looking upbeat during his recovery.

He tweeted: “Ankle feeling better everyday, and helped by the boys breaking the Spanish record  #40 #Unbeaten.”

Bale also praised his team-mates’ efforts in setting a new Spanish record of 40 games unbeaten when they came back from 3-1 down to draw 3-3 at Sevilla in the Copa del Rey on Thursday.