Gareth Bale faces up to four months out after it was revealed his ankle injury is worse than first thought.

Bale damaged ankle tendons in Real Madrid’s victory over Sporting CP in the Champions League last week and underwent an operation in London on Tuesday.

It was initially expected the Welshman would be absent for two to three months. According to Spanish media outlet AS, however, the damage is worse than feared and will mean up to four months on the sidelines.

That would keep him out until April. As well as missing Saturday’s el clasico against Barcelona, Bale will also play no part in the Champions League last-16 ties in the new year.

Bale has scored 11 goals in 20 appearances for Real Madrid and Wales this season.