WALES COULD BE missing star man Gareth Bale when they take on Ireland at the Aviva Stadium in March after the Real Madrid attacker was ruled out of action for up to four months with an ankle injury.
Martin O’Neill’s side host Wales four months from today, on 24 March, in their next qualifier for the 2018 World Cup.
But Chris Coleman’s charges, who have made a mixed start to qualification with one win and three draws, could be without Bale for the massive fixture which they can ill afford to lose.
Real Madrid have confirmed that Bale will undergo surgery on his injured ankle next week and the winger is expected to spend three or four months on the sidelines.
Bale sustained the problem in Madrid’s 2-1 Champions League win at Sporting CP on Tuesday, limping off shortly before the hour in Lisbon.
Madrid revealed on Wednesday that Bale had suffered “a traumatic dislocation of the peroneal tendons in his right ankle”, and would be monitored.
And there was a further blow today as the European champions announced the problem would require surgery.
“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 statement read.
“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 winger is certain to miss El Clasico against Barcelona on 3 December, as well as Madrid’s clash with Borussia Dortmund in the Champions League four days later — a match which will decide the winners of Group F.
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