Bale was left out of the squad that lost 1-0 to Tottenham in the Audi Cup at the Allianz Arena and Zidane told reporters the left-footed winger was unfit to feature for the Los Blancos.
"He didn't travel because he wasn't fit.
"After speaking with the doctors, the best thing was for him to stay in Madrid. He stayed back and is training there. It was a joint decision between the player, medical staff and the coach."
Real Madrid have not won a game in their pre-season campaign in normal time, but the French trainer believes their display against Tottenham was an improvement.
"Today we have already played better. We have to improve ourselves. I will keep saying the same. Of course I am not happy about the defeat, but we have improved in all aspects, and that's positive. Of course we know that we still have to improve."
Bale’s future at the Bernabeu seems to be in the air as he has been told of not being part of the manager’s plans for the upcoming season.
Real Madrid signed Bale from Tottenham in 2013 with his arrival witnessing four Champions League titles with the side.
The unwanted Wales ace made twenty-nine appearances for Real, making the net bulge just 8 times in the LaLiga last season.