Gareth Bale could miss Wales' crunch World Cup qualifier against Ireland next March after it was revealed that the Real Madrid striker will undergo ankle surgery.
Bale, 27, suffered a "traumatic dislocation of the peroneal tendons" in his right ankle and will undergo surgery next Tuesday which will see him sidelined for four months.
The Real Madrid forward suffered the injury during his side's 2-1 win away to Sporting Lisbon in the Champions League and initial reports indicated that he would be missing for around four weeks.
Gareth Bale down injured during Real Madrid's clash with Sporting Lisbon on Tuesday night in the Portuguese capital. Image: Steven Governo / AP/Press Association Images
Bale will be operated on in London and will face a race to be fit in time for their qualifier with Ireland in the Aviva Stadium which is exactly four months away.
The former Tottenham player was influential in steering Wales to the semi-finals of the European Championships in France over the summer, only to be eliminated at the hands of Portugal and Madrid teammate, Cristiano Ronaldo.
He's scored 11 goals in all competitions since August. Wales have endured a difficult start to the campaign after home draws against Serbia and Georgia, with Ireland surging to a place at the top of the group with three wins and a draw from their opening four games.
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