Gareth Bale
Gareth Bale had to be taken off during the Champions League win over Sporting Portugal Getty Images

KEY POINTS

  • Former Spurs star forced off during Champions League 2-1 win over Sporting Portugal.
  • The 27-year-old forward is expected to be out of action for two-three months.
  • He will miss the first El Clasico of the season at Barcelona on 3 December.

Real Madrid star Gareth Bale will undergo surgery next week in London after suffering a serious ankle injury during the Champions League 2-1 victory over Sporting Portugal on Tuesday night (22 November). The Welshman has been definitely ruled out for the first El Clasico of the season at Barcelona on 3 December amid suggestions he could be on the sidelines for up to three months.

The 27-year-old forward was forced off in the 55th minute of the game following a tackle from Sebastian Coates. He initially made an attempt to continue on the pitch but had to be replaced only minutes later by Marco Asensio.

Zinedine Zidane already confirmed after the game the bad news, saying that the former Tottenham star had twisted his ankle and could miss the long-awaited trip to Barcelona at the beginning of next month.

Real Madrid issued an official statement on Wednesday night to confirm that the scans have confirmed the blow, but failing to set a timeline in the recovery.

"After tests carried out on our player Gareth Bale at the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital, he has been diagnosed with a traumatic dislocation of the peroneal tendons of his right ankle. His recovery will continue to be assessed," the Spanish giants confirmed through an official statement.

But following further test Real Madrid have now issued a new update to confirm the worst thoughts for the fans, as the Welshman requires surgery in the ankle and is now set for a long spell on the sidelines.

"The Real Madrid Sanitas Medical Services have decided that Gareth Bale will undergo an operation following the traumatic dislocation of the peroneal tendons of his right ankle," the club have confirmed. "The operation will take place at King Edward VII Hospital in London on Tuesday 29th November by doctor James Calder, under the supervision of the club doctors Jesús Olmo and Mikel Aramberri."

The news is a massive blow for Real Madrid after Bale had enjoyed an impressive start to the 2016-2017 campaign, scoring 7 goals in 16 games, while taking the baton from Cristiano Ronaldo in many games.

AS and Marca understand that the former Tottenham star will be out of action for between two and three months. The Welshman is thus definitely rule out for the coming trip to Barcelona in nine days but will also miss other crucial encounters like the Champions League clash with Borussia Dortmund (on 7 December) and the Club World Cup. In the best case scenario, he should return in January 2017.