Gareth Bale’s return from injury has been put back, claim reports in Spain

Bale had to go under the knife yesterday to treat the injury and Madrid released a statement confirming the surgery had gone well.

“Our player Gareth Bale has undergone today successful surgery to repair damaged tendons in his right ankle. "The operation took place at King Edward VII Hospital in London by doctor James Calder and Real Madrid Sanitas doctor Mikel Aramberri, under the supervision of doctor Jesus Olmo, head of Real Madrid's medical services."

Initially, it was thought that Bale would be out for three to four months with the injury, meaning he would be facing a fitness test to get ready for his country's crunch World Cup Qualifier against the Republic of Ireland in Dublin on March 24. However, reports in Spain are now estimating that the Real Madrid will be out for a few more weeks, suggesting he will only return in April. Unfortunately for Wales, this means he will be sidelined for the next international break.