Gareth Bale to undergo surgery, faces up to four months on sidelines

Real Madrid have confirmed that Welsh star Gareth Bale is to require surgery for ankle tendon damage suffered during their 2-1 victory over Sporting Lisbon.

Initial reports from the Daily Mail speculate that the 27-year-old could be set for a four month stint on the sidelines, although local sources Marca and AS are suggesting a lesser, two or three month absence for the winger.

Upon receiving scan results, Los Blancos have announced that Bale is set to undergo surgery in London on Tuesday.

"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," a club statement 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."

Alfonso del Corral, a doctor who has previously worked within Real Madrid, believes that the decision to operate is a logical one.

"There are two possible treatment options, conservative and surgical," he explained to Caneda Ser Radio.

"It’s not certain that a conservative treatment will be good in this case because if it didn’t work, you would then have to opt for surgery. Three out of four doctors would recommend him undergoing surgery."

Bale will be a significant loss for Zinedine Zidane, having already notched up seven goals and three assists this season.

The Madrid club will be looking to continue their 30-match undefeated streak, and consolidate their position at the summit of the La Liga ladder when they host Sporting Gijon on Sunday morning.