Gareth Bale could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines after Real Madrid announced he will undergo an operation to repair tendons in his right ankle.
While the team did not disclose a timetable for his return, reports out of Spain suggest the Welsh star could need at least two months to recover before returning to the pitch.
The team revealed that Bale will travel to London on Tuesday to have the procedure performed by Dr. James Calder.
A brief statement on the team's website read:
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 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 Jesus Olmo and Mikel Aramberri.
Spanish outlet Marca reports that the surgery will keep Bale - who sustained the injury during Real Madrid's Champions League victory over Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday - out of action for a minimum of two months. AS reports his recovery time will take between two and three months.
His loss is a massive blow for a Real Madrid team currently enjoying a four-point cushion over Barcelona atop the Liga table.
Along with Bale missing the upcoming El Clasico clash on Dec. 3, as well as the rest of the league fixtures in 2016, Real Madrid will be without the gifted footballer for its final group stage match in the Champions League against Borussia Dortmund four days later.
Bale - who has played a pivotal role in helping Real maintain its 30-game unbeaten run - was off to a flying start in La Liga, scoring five goals and providing two assists in the opening 11 matches.
