Real Madrid star Gareth Bale will reportedly be out for four months as he requires surgery on an ankle injury.
The Wales international suffered the blow during the Spanish giants' 2-1 victory over Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League on Tuesday night.
Madrid confirmed yesterday that Bale had damaged a tendon in his right ankle, and now the decision has been made to schedule surgery for the 27-year-old attacker.
A statement from the La Liga club read: "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."
The length of Bale's absence has not been confirmed, but widespread reports in the British media have claimed that Madrid will be without their star player for four months.
The former Tottenham Hotspur player, who has scored seven goals in all competitions this season, will miss next month's El Clasico against Barcelona at Camp Nou.
Danielle Joynson
