Real Madrid winger Gareth Bale is expected to miss at least two months after Los Blancos confirmed that the Welshman will undergo surgery to heal the ankle problem he suffered during this week's Champions League clash against Sporting CP.
While it was always initially thought that Bale would be forced to miss the first Clásico of the season against Barcelona in early December, a report from Marca that has now predicted a likely absence of eight weeks or more.
That will mean Bale is sidelined until late January at the earliest. As such, he will have to miss crucial games against not only Barça, but also Borussia Dortmund, Valencia, Sevilla and the whole of the FIFA Club World Cup, as well as several other fixtures during that time.
Real's statement on the matter explained that the surgery will take place in London next Tuesday (29th November). The procedure will be performed by Dr James Calder under the supervision of club doctors Jesús Olmo and Mikel Aramberri.
The injury comes as a significant personal blow to Bale after he had made a fine start to his fourth season in Spain to follow on his performances for Wales at Euro 2016. Only Cristiano Ronaldo has scored more La Liga goals for the club so far in 2016/17.
Bale has also assisted two of Ronaldo's eight league goals and his input will be sorely missed.
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