Gareth Bale facing four months out after Real Madrid confirm he needs ankle op

Gareth Bale could be out of action for up to four months after Real Madrid announced he will have an operation on his ankle next week.

The Wales star limped off the pitch during Real's 2-1 Champions League win at Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday. And the club has now confirmed that he will have surgery. A club statement said:

"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 Jesús Olmo and Mikel Aramberri."

  The news means he will definitely miss El Clasico match with Barcelona on December 3, but there are fears he could be out for up to four months as he recovers. As well as his club commitments, that time frame means he could face a race against time to be fit for Wales' crucial World Cup qualifier with the Republic of Ireland. Chris Coleman's side are currently third in that group, four points behind Ireland who are top. Real are currently top of La Liga with a four point lead over Barcelona. Catch up with the latest episode of Football Friday Live: