Analysis: Bale adds to Madrid's injury problems

Real Madrid's injury problems continue to stack up following the news that Gareth Bale will undergo surgery to treat the dislocated ankle tendons he sustained during Tuesday's 2-1 win at Sporting CP, which will keep him out of action for between two to three months according to Spanish media reports.

Bale, 27, has been key to the Spanish giants' 19-game unbeaten start to the season, scoring seven times in all competitions to help them to the Spanish Liga summit and into the UEFA Champions League round of 16.

The Madrid and Wales forward will be operated on in London next Tuesday by club doctors, and is unlikely to return to action until February 2017. He will miss crucial Liga games against Barcelona, Sevilla and Valencia, Madrid's final UEFA Champions League Group F game against Borussia Dortmund, which will determine who takes spot, and the FIFA Club World Cup. 

He will hope to be back for the UEFA Champions League knockout stages, which kick off on 14 February.

Joe Walker, UEFA.com Real Madrid reporter (UEFAcomJoeW) 
Zinédine Zidane has had to deal with all manner of absences this term but has taken them all in the stride – expect him to do the same with Bale's lay-off. Fortunately Madrid are well stocked in attacking midfield, with the likes of Marco Asensio, Isco, Lucas Vázquez and James Rodríguez all more than able deputies.

The new-look 4-4-1-1 system that Zidane has deployed in recent weeks involved Bale playing on the left wing, with Cristiano Ronaldo the central striker. However, with Karim Benzema now fit again, Zidane has the option of moving the Portuguese out onto the flank, with Benzema central.

PICK GARETH BALE IN YOUR TEAM OF THE YEAR

Madrid's injury absentees
Gareth Bale (ankle)
Álvaro Morata (hamstring)
Toni Kroos (metatarsal)